Can't breathe

[MrsLee]

For the past two weeks, at least once a day, I have brief periods (20 min to an hour) of time where I feel I cannot take a whole breath. This has happened to me very ocassionally throughout my life, but has happened a lot lately. My chest feels a little tight when this happens and I feel like I just can't get enough air. Also, it gets harder to swallow. I thought maybe it has to do with an increase in humidity here, but it has cooled down again and is not so humid but it is still happening.

I don't know what this could be--I have heard about this happening during panic attacks, but this happens out of the blue and does not seem to be related to the situation I am in. Once it starts though, I do sometimes feel a little panicky.

I am 22 years old and in fairly good health, even though I am overweight. I know I should go to the doctor, but I do not have the money to do it (even though I have insurance I still have to pay for part) because I know they will run a bunch of expensive tests. Does anyone have any ideas what this could be? Should I be really worried? I'd appreciate anyone's help. Thank you very much in advance.

[artbuggy3]

Same with me!! Only mine have been happening much longer like 2 years i havn't been to the doctor and i know i should go but i am definately going to watch this post!

[mandi-deg]

Originally Posted by MrsLee

For the past two weeks, at least once a day, I have brief periods (20 min to an hour) of time where I feel I cannot take a whole breath. This has happened to me very ocassionally throughout my life, but has happened a lot lately. My chest feels a little tight when this happens and I feel like I just can't get enough air. Also, it gets harder to swallow. I thought maybe it has to do with an increase in humidity here, but it has cooled down again and is not so humid but it is still happening.

I don't know what this could be--I have heard about this happening during panic attacks, but this happens out of the blue and does not seem to be related to the situation I am in. Once it starts though, I do sometimes feel a little panicky.

I am 22 years old and in fairly good health, even though I am overweight. I know I should go to the doctor, but I do not have the money to do it (even though I have insurance I still have to pay for part) because I know they will run a bunch of expensive tests. Does anyone have any ideas what this could be? Should I be really worried? I'd appreciate anyone's help. Thank you very much in advance.

I have had that since a kid. As well as many other people. If you type in keywords and go to the stress and anxiety boards you will find many people experience the same thing. I have been to a doctor and she tells me it is psychological. If I think about taking a deep breath I cant. Trust me it happens to tons of people. I was visiting with a friend and she asked what I was doing (she noticed my trying to take a deep breath) I told her and she experiences the same thing. If you are self conscious about it it can cause that, as well as anxiety and panic. I dont think you really have too much to worry about. Check out the other boards and post it there and see what you get for responses. I dont even need to be anxious to experience it. Eating is a major trigger.

[MrsLee]

hmm that's not what I wantedc to hear, that they will tell me it's all in my head. When you say "eating is a major trigger" do you mean before eating or after eating?

I have a dr. appt for tomorrow morning--I'll let you know what they say. Thanks for your replies!

[mandi-deg]

Originally Posted by MrsLee

hmm that's not what I wantedc to hear, that they will tell me it's all in my head. When you say "eating is a major trigger" do you mean before eating or after eating?

I have a dr. appt for tomorrow morning--I'll let you know what they say. Thanks for your replies!

I usually get it while I am eating. When I was little I actually inhaled a whole dorito because of it. I think when i do it it is almost psychosomoatic and it seems normal for me. Let me know what you find out!!