Breathing difficulties

[DirtySexyMummy]

I have been having some difficulty breathing, mostly I feel that I cannot get enough air in in one breath, IYKWIM.

It happens most often when I am eating and for about 10-15 mins after eating, but does happen at other times as well.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to why I am having this? I know I should probably see a doctor, but I am getting really worried and would just like some opinions.

Thank you

Not any chance you are anaemic or slightly low iron levels is there? That can make you slightly breathless or feeling like you can't catch your breath.

Oh, really? I do bruise easily so I might be anaemic? How can I find out? (other than going to doctor I mean.)

Yes Dr's afraid! You are not going to get out of going. A quick blood test will be able to see what your iron levels are. I always take a multi vitamin that has a small amount of iron in which might help if you feel you are not eating enough iron rich foods. But you should really get a check by the Dr anyway to see what he thinks.

Ah rubbish. I hate the doc's..

I will go, but in the meantime should I be worried? I am freaking myself out a bit and giving myself panic attacks and things.. I really need a little reassurance, or to be told that I need an emergency appointment if necessary!

Actually that was going to be my next question - are you under stress or suffering from anxiety. If you are stressed and anxious then without realising it you might be breathing slightly more shallow. Then when you feel like you can't catch your breath you panic even more and it seems much worse, or can even go into a panic attack. I need to have a think, I did have some articles I had read about breathing properly and what can happen if you end up breathing too shallow a lot of the time. But you MUST get checked out by a GP first. If nothing else he can check your blood pressure and listen to your chest and most of all reassure you. Please go and see him

This link about anxiety is helpful but it does say you need to see a physician first to rule out anything else. See I am not the only bossy one, the man on the computer says see the Doc

Okay I will make an appointment..

I am not stressed at all, but I do have anxiety attacks, don't know why, been ongoing for about 3 years now but I deal with it alright, well enough. I know I make it worse when it happens, but I don't think its why I am getting short of breath?

This might sound really peculiar, but when I was pregnant I was suffering from this, went to accupuncturist who sorted it out during the appointment. May be worth considering. But do try to find out if you're anaemic as that could be making worse.

Ooh acupuncture? I guess I would have to pay for that though.. I'm not pregnant BTW..

And yes.. I will make an appointment. God you all nag!

No, didn't think you were - its just that it's only happened to me when I was - and it wasn't the size of the baby that was doing it - could just lie on couch, have accupuncture and my whole breathing changed from struggling for breath to easy and deep - kept my sanity and fitness when pregnant!

I have been suffering anxiety which is tied in with an early menopause. I can't find the link that I had (am at work, maybe on home pc) but there were some really good breathing techniques which I did regularly and some of my other symptoms improved. Definately worth looking at that side of things if you are having anxiety attacks.

You say after eating? Do you eat big meals? Sometimes when you eat a big meal you get all bloateda nd this can maybe squash up your lungs abit like it does when you are pregnant IYSWIM? Saying that, i get what you describe aswell but not after meals, i have had it for years and its worse when im anxious over something.