Cannot get a deep breath

Seeking Help · 10-11-2003, 07:57 PM

I have been having problems getting a deep breath while exercising for about two years. When it started it only occurred during my daily 7 mile runs, but now it is almost constant. I have been tested by numerous doctors and asthma has been ruled out, heart problems have been ruled out, allergies are present, but this problem is not seasonal. I had the 24 hour pH test and acid was found to reflux during the night and when I exercised. I have been seen by an ENT specialists which showed vocal chord appearance to be "textbook". I have been on aciphex, nexium and prevacid without any change or help. Have also tried DGL without any help. Finally made the decision to have the laproscopic nissen fundoplication done and have not received any relief, the same symptoms I had before the operation are still present. I recently had a barium swallow conducted and am awaiting the results. The Doctor conducting the test stated she could see no problems except the first esophageal wave was not strong enough to clear everything through, so the contents in the esophagus oscillated back and forth until the second wave cleared the esophagus. Since the contents were not acidic she did not feel this caused the problems I am having. Currently I experience tightness in the throat always after eating regardless of what I eat, accompanied by a constant need to clear my throat. I also have a difficult time getting a deep breath and really have to use my diaphragm to achieve a good deep breath. I sometimes get a tightness in my neck and lower head during the same time. I have I am currently seeing a chiropractor thinking this may help with some of the problem. Would appreciate any assistance. Seeking Help.

Locket25 · 10-11-2003, 08:08 PM

Hi,
I do know that stress or actually thinking about throat tightness and breathing can cause the very problem. I often find that I can draw a breath in, but (explaining it strange here) I cannot get the breath up and over. Does that make sense? Also I know this sounds funny too but if I yawn I CAN get the breath I need.
Kay

slagpot · 10-11-2003, 11:22 PM

Does it feel like you have a weight on your chest or a belt tightend around your chest so as to stop you from taking a deep breath? I had the same problem years ago.When I was taking my morning run it would take two miles before I could take a deep breath and then it got worse and I could't take a deep breath at all. After I had some dental work which included having a root canal removed I was amazed to find I could take a deep breath again. My dentist said it probably was nerve since nerves from your lower jaw go to every part of your body. That was my experience.

orion · 10-12-2003, 01:29 AM

I also had trouble getting a deep breath when running. I thought perhaps I was developing asthma and was going to go to my doctor for tests. I would describe my breathing problem as not being able to fill the top part of my lungs fully. At times, especially if it was humid, after a bit of running I could hardly breath without stopping.

I started taking 50mg of DHEA (for other reasons), which you can get at most drug stores. Within two weeks I noticed my breathing was significantly easier. At first I just thought it was a coincidence but that effect has continued for 2 years now with no relapse. If you decide to try DHEA, make sure you get a brand that says "verified by HPLC" that means the DHEA concentration was verified by high performance liquid chromatography in an independent lab. Some brands have been reported to have no DHEA in them at all. You should probably get a DHEAS test first before taking DHEA to check your levels before and after taking.

You didn't say how old you are. If you are over 40, it is possible that this effect is also caused by low testosterone. Do you have any other symptoms like muscle mass loss, irritability, memory problems, muscle/joint pains especially in the legs, or unusual fatige?

[This message has been edited by orion (edited 10-12-2003).]