Forgetting to Breathe - Lung & Respiratory Disorders / COPD Message Board

pvnuts · 04-12-2007, 08:49 AM

Hi there,

For about a year now, I find myself having to take a quick breath of air while I'm in a resting position... example... in bed or watching tv. When I least expect it I suddenly take two quick air gasps. I usually happens every 10 minutes or so and never happens when I'm trying to monitor myself. In other words, I'm not sure if I'm forgetting to breath since when it happens I'm not aware of my breathing. If I take time to concentrate and monitor myself to see what I do or not do when it happens... it simple does not occur... so I'm assuming that I'm forgetting to breath when I'm not paying attention.

This problem started about a year ago and eventually stopped happening. Lately, it started up again. Can anyone help?

Thanks

Al

claflamme · 04-13-2007, 12:00 PM

That happens to me too. I also have sleep apnea also. But it does happen during the day sometimes. The dr's think it is strange that I have it, since I am not overweight and only 26 years old. But I would see if you can have a sleep study done. Definetly worth looking into.

TrinityRose · 04-13-2007, 03:14 PM

I was recently talking to a Dr about oxygen levels for my mom who has emphysema. He told me that if a person is getting too much oxygen , the brain says, " OK we have enough of this and tells the body not to breath." In my mom's case she is on an oxygen concentrater and this discussion was in relation to how high we can turn it up. Too much can be fatal in her case.

mworry · 04-15-2007, 10:08 PM

yes the increase in o2 knocks out the hypoxic drive in patients that have a difficult time exchanging their gases in their lungs. But that doesn't have anything to do with the orginal posters question.
Have you had a sleep study or an EEG or talked with a neurologist? This is something you should talk with your regular doctor as soon as possible.