constant urge to yawn/clear throat - Lung & Respiratory Disorders / COPD Message Board

lir · 05-01-2003, 03:04 PM

For about a year now Ive had a near constant urge to yawn take a "big breath" but my lungs never seem satisfied. Ive been to a pneumologist and he didnt see any problem, but obviously something is wrong if I feel this way. I quit smoking about 6 months ago and I assume smoking and growing up on a farm, where I worked in chaff areas, are the problem. However, it is frustrating that doctors keep telling me that I am "just fine". I don't feel fine, I feel like I need to take a deep breath, but can't.

[This message has been edited by lir (edited 05-01-2003).]

regina · 06-17-2003, 02:10 PM

lir - please see threads on air hunger and hyperventilation. They are helpful.

vincemichael · 07-08-2003, 04:25 PM

Does this get worse or when you exercise?

Carlarae33 · 07-11-2003, 05:55 AM

Hi--I have anxiety attacks--yawning is a large part of them. When you are having an attack you breathe shallowly, from your upper chest, and this doesn't give your lungs enough oxygen, so your body makes you yawn in order to get more oxygen in. Try lying down and breathing "from your belly" (pushing your stomache out with each breath, not pushing your CHEST out like people with anxiety usually do). Hope that helps.

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Carla

surfgirls · 07-21-2003, 09:38 AM

That sounds like what happened to me several years ago. It came on suddenly. I felt like I couldn't get a full breath and felt the need to yawn alot. It wasn't just once, but repeatedly. It was so annoying. I had tests for asthma, pneumonia, heart, lungs and they said I was fine. The docs said it was in my head...perhaps anxiety, but I didn't know it. The good news is that it went away after 3 months or so by itself. Sometimes I feel like that, but it is only for a few seconds....maybe its anxiety.