To ask if you know why I’m struggling to get enough air in my lungs

[Outandabouty]

I’m not short of breath or anything but I frequently find I feel like I am shallow breathing and need more air in my lungs but struggle to take a big deep breath. I then have to try to force air in if you see what I mean.

I am 47 and fit and well, I’m not overweight, I exercise regularly and run every other day, I don’t smoke and I don’t have asthma.

Is this just me? Any idea if it’s normal or not?

I get this when my anxiety is bad

I'm like this since I had covid in March. It's shit.

If this is a new development you need to see your GP. Could be loads of things, most of them nothing to worry about, but worth getting it checked out.

Have you had Covid in the last couple of years, by any chance? Or any other cough/cold?

I also get this with anxiety.

You could maybe try an oxygen monitor op, the type you put on your finger? There are v good ones available from Amazon, about £15. If you test your levels and they're normal, it will be reassurance at least that it's not your body trying to get more oxygen.

Had this with severe anemia.

I get this. Consultant has no idea but has decided it's not anxiety, asthma (my original diagnosis) or anemia. GP on 111 decided within 2 minutes consultant was wrong and it was anxiety. But she can't explain my test results.

They thought I had a blood clot when I went in with this. My blood results suggested I do - but the hospital said no. I have no idea why I am breathless but next drs call is a week away...

Definitely speak to Dr.

Agree that anaemia is likely. See if your pharmacist will give you some 200mg iron tablets, the ones you can buy from Boots etc aren't up to the job!

Also wondering about covid... Had this for a year after The firat round. I just had it twice in 5 weeks, followed by this for a further month. Happily back to pretty much normal again already this time.

Also, a family member had a year of investigations, before it turned out to be constant semi hyperventilating. They just didn't breathe properly for a full year and got so used to it, they didn't realise what the issue was... Anxiety meds and therapy fixed the issue.

It could be a few different things. I have sarcoidosis and this was the first thing I noticed. I also had it with anaemia. It’s worth having a blood test and chest x ray.

I have been like this since having covid the first time. I have not been able to fully regulate my breathing since then.

Speak to the dr and get other conditions ruled out.

Have you had covid? This was a symptom I've had for several months.

Sounds like anxiety. Can be self perpetuating when you’re thinking about breathing, too.

Do you mean you tend to shallow breath or you physically can’t belly breathe?

Go to your doctor, chest X-ray, blood test for anemia, etc but if they don’t find a cause, go to an osteopath. It could be something postural (tight muscles through groin and front of legs from running for example) that is easily corrected.

Yes to GP but in the meantime try taking some time to do some meditative deep breathing / belly breathing just because it will make you feel better. If you can't that's info in itself.

This! I was hospitalised for it so please see your GP to arrange a blood test to rule it out.

It sounds like 'air hunger' and can be a sign of low B12

I get this when I'm anxious - fast shallow breaths instead of slow deep ones. If I make myself drop my shoulders, relax my muscles and breathe in really slowly so my belly lifts up then it helps

I get that when stressed, I start hyperventilating and it really feels like your lungs are too small and you can't fully use them, right? Once I had it so bad my doc also suspected blood clot but had all the tests and just basically needed to calm down.
Hyperventilating doesn't mean you're panting like it's often shown in movies - breathing more deeply and in different pattern will also do it.
Try those exercises and see if they help:
myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut2508

Adding my voice to the post-covid crowd.
I do a lot of rowing and running, have struggled with my breathing since covid in March.
As a friend with similar symptoms described it to me, feels like I am wearing a sports bra that is way too tight.
I'm focusing on good breathing techniques whilst exercising and hope I grow out of it soon...

Would also blame long Covid. I really struggled with it right after and still do if I doo too much.

Happens to me with anxiety. I read somewhere that when it happens it’s because we keep breathing in but don’t fully exhale. Since then when I feel like this I force some deep exhales and it helps me.

This might sound a bit counterintuitive OP but just check if you are breathing out enough. If you don't take time to slowly breathe out there isn't enough room to breathe in properly if that makes sense.
Look up some breathing exercises online. There might be some related to yoga. It's tricky because the more you worry about breathing normally, the more you tense up and the more difficult it becomes.

cross post gigi