Why am I so out of breath?

[Akite]

I get periods of being very out of breath, wheezing etc. currently in the midst of one, lasts a few days to a week usually. I've been to the Gp a few times over the years and initially it was put down to b12 deficiency (now under control) then iron deficiency (now under control). I don't (as far as I know) have asthma. I'm not currently ill with anything that I know of, just very out of breath. Baffled!
In case it might be relevant, I ALWAYS get crackly breathing sounds when I lie down whether I'm currently breathless or not. Again have mentioned it to the GP, they didn't think it was anything.
Anyone any ideas?

Erm, not sure and not an expert but sometimes the level thresholds of stuff they check for when you have things like anaemia are not your personal optimum levels. So maybe keep a diary and go back ask what your levels are and look them up to see if you are at all borderline.

Hormonal issues, in peri menopause and menopause can be linked with circulatory issues which might potentially affect your breathing.

Allergies might be having an affect. Reflux can irritate your airways too.

Diabetes and high cholesterol could also cause circulatory issues as could thickened blood / blood clots. These things can often feel worse in the cold.

Plus panic attacks can cause breathing and heart regulation issues.

So do you think any of those things might be possible?

Thank you, hihello.
I am menopausal so that's a potential thing. I'm on HRT for that.
I'm confident my levels are good, they are nice and high within the range now, I always check actual figures!
I take regular daily antihistamines for hayfever, from about Feb to oct, and I can usually tell if I'm suffering from pollen so I don't think that's it.
High cholesterol - yes that's something I'm waiting to speak to the gp about to see if I need statins, they think I might have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol. I only randomly had it checked a few weeks ago, I've never had it tested before because I don't have any risk factors for it so that could have been high for ages I guess.
I have never had a panic attack or any kind of anxiety.

It sounds very much like how my asthma affects me tbh

I think I've just assumed that if it were asthma, one of the docs would have picked it up by now? I must have seen 4 or 5 different ones over the years and have had my chest listened to/chest x-rays etc. asthma has never even been mentioned as a possibility.

Interesting - I'm just coming out of yet another phase of the exact same thing. Plus a completely blank brain/cotton wool hear. More cramping muscles than usual.

I've noticed that I can tell when I'll be coming out of it because I pee all the time! Once the 'excess water' is out, I start feeling much better.

I'm menopausal (with HRT) and hypothyroid (meds apparently OK).

'hear' = head

@Akite

I think I've just assumed that if it were asthma, one of the docs would have picked it up by now? I must have seen 4 or 5 different ones over the years and have had my chest listened to/chest x-rays etc. asthma has never even been mentioned as a possibility.

It took quite a lot of being given antibiotics and sent for xrays before a new gp asked if anyone had thought it might be asthma, so I wouldn't rule it out honestly.

Before I’d had blood tests for my thyroid function- which showed I was very hyperthyroid, I would get out of breath going up stairs or just walking at a brisk pace, I’m not overweight, might be worth getting your thryroid checked if it hasn’t been already

Oh yes thyroid! I have annual checks because I'm at higher risk of developing Hashimoto's and this year my Tsh was out of range - also going to be discussing that with gp too

Jeez, reading this back makes me sound like a right old crock. 😟

@Akite I know this post is old but did you ever get to the bottom of this? I've been breathless for 3 months now, it's on and off during the day. Gp said anemia but I've been taking iron daily...