Keep needing to breathe in quickly

66Mustang

I am posting here as I can’t find a section on the new forum for general health. Please feel free to move it if there is a more appropriate place!

In the last few weeks I have been getting a weird experience with my breathing. The best description I can give is that it is as though I’ve been holding my breath and need to quickly take a gulp of air.

It happens at any time but seems to happen more when in bed lying down.

I want to emphasise that it isn’t severe, it’s not even a problem, just annoying. However I wonder if it is the early sign of something that does get worse over time? I have close relatives with breathing conditions, I don’t know if these run in the family or not.

Is this normal? I’ve never experienced it before. I’m overweight which may be relevant, but have been for years and not experienced this until now.

I will ask a professional when I see them for something else, but I thought I’d see if anyone knows anything while I am waiting. I’m probably being a hypochondriac but thought better safe than sorry!!

Thanks

66Mustang

Just to add I also have anxiety which I have heard can affect breathing?

janer1967

I started this about 6 months ago I haven't done anything about it 

Due to other symptoms I had a chest xray for possible copd but everything was clear 

66Mustang

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Tori_Scope

I've also experienced this @66Mustang, particularly during times of heightened anxiety, so it could be that. I'm sure there could be a few different causes though, so definitely do speak to your GP as you've said  

66Mustang

Thanks

chiarieds

As above, anxiety may be the culprit, but discuss with your GP if concerned. Please see: https://www.md-health.com/Having-to-Take-Deep-Breaths.html

Did I ever mention (only 3 or 4 dozen times on the forum ) that breathing properly, i.e. diaphragmatic/abdominal breathing is really good for you! Follow this link instead, & hopefully give this a try: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/therapies/abdominal-breathing.pdf   just get comfy, you don't need a pillow under your knees, and perhaps practice during the day.

66Mustang

Thanks @chiarieds the info makes perfect sense.

I will give the breathing a try and report back.

chiarieds

66Mustang describes this as an 'annoyance,' not even a problem; most respondents have suggested seeing his GP nonetheless. Personal experience has also been given, & mentioned as such. The link I provided mentions other potential causes of needing to take a deep breath, admittedly one was allergies rather than any food intolerance, but the OP hasn't mentioned 'struggling' for breath.

So, personally, I don't see any veering into medical advice being given, & I'm sure the Scope team would mention this if they thought it was the case. Hmmm some of my comments were removed by a member of the Scope team when I mentioned how to start taking CBD, which is sold as a food supplement, appropriately & safely not so long ago, so you can be assured by their vigilance. You have previously mentioned the plural of anecdote isn't evidence, yet only mention one incidence of such an intolerance.

Regardless. 66Mustang has said he'll mention this when he next sees a professional, & I think we can credit him with some common sense if his symptoms should worsen.

66Mustang

Thanks for all the responses.

Just to say I tried the breathing exercise last night before I went to sleep. I think it calmed me down by a small amount but I still experienced the same breathing issue later on after I’d done it. The breathing did feel like it was doing something healthy though and I will keep trying it as it can’t be doing any harm. It’s actually a great way to relax.

chiarieds

Do hope it may help; it is a good way to reduce stress & aid relaxation. Keep trying it until you fall asleep.

Adrian_Scope

Hi @66Mustang. I do think this is something worth discussing with your doctor as there can be so many different causes. 
I suffer with allergies and asthma and this is something I do when either flares and my oxygen is low. Equally my partner does it when she's anxious or coming down from an anxiety attack. I've known others with obstructive apnea describe similar too. 

I'm not saying you have any of these conditions, but highlighting that there are such a wide range of possible causes and some more serious than others, so always better to err on the side of caution and get it checked. 

66Mustang

Thanks everyone, I will definitely mention it to the doctor when I next go to see them.