Needing to take a deep breath every so often

[lostfrequencies]

For the last few days I have noticed that I have had to take a deeper breath than usual every 30-60 seconds or so, otherwise it doesn't feel like I'm getting enough air in my lungs. At first I thought it could be anxiety due to everything going on at the moment, but my breathing has consistently been like this no matter how I have been feeling. I have focussed on my breathing from time to time to make sure I'm not hyperventilating or anything but I keep needing to take thee deep breaths and I notice I'm getting short of breath when I wouldn't usually (eg walking up the stairs).

For now I'll just monitor the situation I guess, but is there a time where I should be concerned? It's more annoying than anything else! For reference I am 30, an ex smoker, overweight but currently doing slimming world.

[lostfrequencies]

Hopeful bump

[StrawberryJam200]

Are you thinking you could have Covid OP? Either way, you can look on the NHS website for advice about breathlessness.

[ThelmaDinkley]

Do you suffer from asthma? Can you speak to your GP?

[Khione]

I was like that until I sorted my anaemia.

When you are anaemic your blood carries less oxygen which can lead to this. Google and see if anything else fits.

Although it's pretty low, I found Spatone best for me. It doesn't upset my stomach so I am happy to take it twice a day and it is more 'available' than tablets.

[lostfrequencies]

Thank you for the responses.

I'm not thinking I have covid, though of course it has crossed my mind. I work in an acute hospital, though not in a clinical role.

I don't feel unwell in any other way. I haven't got asthma (to my knowledge anyway!) but there's a family history of it.

I was avoiding calling the GP practice just because of how overloaded they must be, but this definitely doesn't feel "normal" for me.

[bulletjournalbilly]

It does sound like anxiety .... I used to get that really badly

[Campervan69]

It sounds like anaemia to me. I was misdiagnosed with anxiety and put on antidepressants however the problem was in fact low iron which was only picked up when I was pregnant. I recommend the spatone sachets as well they are not cheap but should sort out the problem pretty quickly.

[SallyWD]

For the last month I've had a tight feeling in my chest. No other symptoms of illness, no fever, cough etc. I did wonder about covid but am now wondering about allergies. I hear lots of people get tree pollen allergies now. Also we have a new cat. My symptoms improved a lot when I took antihistamines.

[MissCherryCakeyBun]

What are the steps you have been asked to take at work should you have any changes in your health? I have friends working in a clinical setting and have been given instructions on what to do and who to contact. You may well be a-symptomatic and could be carrying the virus.
Please contact someone about this if your working in a hospital setting

[nonicknameseemsavailable]

I get this when my iron levels drop, like Khione I take spatone

[candle18]

I get that every now and again and it lasts for a while then just stops. I think it’s called air hunger and there can be a variety of causes but I think mine is more a habit or maybe anxiety. When I focus on it and try to control it, it gets even worse.

[CJsGoldfish]

It can be a symptom of something going on with your blood.
I've felt like this when I've had anaemia (as someone else has mentioned) and also now when I have too many red blood cells.

[MegGriffin]

I got this before my B12 deficiency diagnosis. People would say I was always sighing but it turned out to be a symptom.

[Riv12345]

Sounds like anxiety op I have had this off and on for years!
Do breathing exercises
Breath in for 4
Hold for 4
Breath out for 4

This really helped me
My daughter gets it as well I also told her to do this, this also a great help for her too.
It's a very worrying time.
Be kind to yourself, hope this helps all the best.

[Hannsmum]

Hi i had this. I honestly believed i wasn't anxious about anything but had a heart scan , spirometry test to check my lungs and nothing.

Said it was stress.still have it on and off lightly but had it very strongly for about 2 months.

Sometimes i woke up with it, and ut got better sometimes it got worse during the dsy. No particular timibg

Symptoms were gasping for air ebery minute and felt my lungs werent getting enough air
Some said it could be acid reflux, or b12 deficiency or magnesium deficiency or anemia.

Worked on all of these and it got 80 percent better, so not sure which one worked exactly

Hope you sort it out 🤗

[Tanfastic]

I went through a period of this when I was feeling extremely anxious and stressed. I actually nearly went to the doctor. As soon as I stopped focusing on it it kind of went away.

I'm not dismissing your symptoms just offering another perspective. If you are worried see the doc though as there are other reasons for this (I googled it to death at the time).

[delilahbucket]

I get that when I'm stressed, and it can last several months, even when I'm not feeling stressed anymore. It was under control until covid. Now it's worse than ever ☹️

[wehaveafloater]

Have you been sitting for long periods? Or sitting with legs crossed at a new ( home ) desk ie one you don't usually use ?
As this might be an effect of DVT if you have had a clot in the leg that has travelled to your lung area . I would speak to 111 if I were you, if this seems that it could be along these lines, as a PE might be the next thing, and that's bloody scary.

Fingers crossed it's just a chest infection that will blow over in a day or so.