I have a tendency to suffer from shortness of breath. I'll have it for many weeks & then it will disappear, only to return within a few months. I recently had a chest x-ray done, which came back negative. The docs tell me I definitely have a great respiratory system. Anyone else have a similiar experience?
I have had the same experience. When this happens, I try to take a deep breath but never seem to get enough air.
I had many x-rays, and also had a test where you sit in what looks like a little transparent car and breath into a tube. What did they find out? My lungs are operating at 98% capacity. I never had problems breathing while I was smoker. It's only after a year of NOT smoking that i am gasping for air. Go figure. Anyway...
As all doctors say when they have no clue as to what is going on, "stress can cause the "sensation" of shortness of breath. If your tests are neg, although you feel like your not getting enough air, you really are".
I keep telling them the only stress I have in my life is coming from the realization that the medical profession is about as clueless as the Car Sales profession.
Sorry all I can do is tell you that I have had the same experience. I hope you find an answer soon.
Being a "hidden hyperventilator" can also cause shortness of breath. You may think you are breathing normal but not. Pay attention to your breathing. When a person hyperventilates too much carbon dioxide is blown off and this can deprive vital organs of oxygen. The red carpusles will have plenty of oxygen but cannot release it without sufficient carbon dioxide. Ask to have the CO2 tested via blood test. At night we breath normal but during the day it changes. Being tested in the morning may not reveal the deprivation.
I suffered from this for 10 years before a hypertension specialist properly diagnosed the problem.
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Please realize when a person is a hidden hyperventilator they do not act like they are in stress, fighting for their air. We look normal except for those who are famaliar with the problem. My cardiologist and internists did not recognize the problem. I could finally only take 3 steps and stall out before the problem was diagnosed. In other words I was gradually dying a slow death due to oxygen deprivation.
Last edited by Moderator BAC; 07-09-2004 at 05:56 AM.
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