Breathing

[sherby]

Sometimes I get the feeling theres something heavy on my chest stopping me breath properly. The only way I can decribe it is like no matter how deep I breathe my lungs arnt fully filling up with air, only half full, so I end up feeling like Im desperate for breath. And eventually I manage to take a big enough breath, I feel ok, but then it starts again. I dont smoke but Im not very active (well, not at all.) and I wondered if it could be asthma?

[netibiza]

Dear sherby I think you will find this is a panic attack - or anxiety - I suffered from it in the 80's and very occasionally now - but the more you think about it the more it will happen.  Try to think of something else.  Good luck

[GucciGal]

Hi Sherby, a friend of mine is suffering the same thing. She went to her GP, who did some tests and has sent on for more tests at the hospital, scary I know but my friend feels better for going. Please see your GP and have a chat about your symptoms. Take care xx

[Cheesefreek]

I had exactly the same symptoms some years ago, and discovered that it was anxiety attacks.  They eventually cleared up on their own.  I actually thought my lungs were collapsing!!

[smudge]

Sherby - when I had the same symptoms, I was told by my GP that it was panic attacks.

Do hope you feel better soon.

[netibiza]

Reading all these answers makes you realise that you are not alone in this.  I honestly thought I was the only one!!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

And me toooooo!

It may sound bizarre but get a brown paper bag and breathe slowly into that, it works and makes you concentrate on steadying your breathing.

Of course go and see your GP just in case there is another underlying cause but if you feel active and healthy most of the time I cant see there is anything to worry about but of course get it confirmed.

[acw]

Sherby - are you taking BetaBlockers?  I was prescribed ProPranalol and had the same think as you describe.  Needless to say I came off those tablets pretty sharpish!  The tablets caused mild panic attacks in me (ironic as for other patients they are prescribed to CURE panic attacks [for me they were for headaches]).  Consider what medication you have been taking and read the side effects list again. 

I'm sure it'll be something trivial causing it.  I really do know that it doesn't FEEL trivial in the slightest when it is happening though.  Good luck!

[PurplePixie]

If it is anxiety I have a small hint to share. If you remind yourself to blow a very long, slow & deep breath OUT...you will breathe in automatically. So only concentrate on the breathing OUT,  blowing as if putting a candle out & the IN breaths will automatically become more calm. Hope that might work for you.

[druiaghtagh]

Sherby, it is a panic attack, i have stopped having them since being on a low dose prescription medication for anxiety, it usd to worry me in the extreme, your doc will be able to help and reasure you

[jno]

I have mild asthma, and it makes me wheeze; it doesn't give me the symptoms you describe (I can't breathe deeply when it hits me). So the suggestion of panic attack may well be right. Does it happen when you are anxious?

[Rystan]

See your physician IMMEDIATELY. This could be nothing, but a "heavy feeling" on the chest is also a symptom of several pulmonary disorders from arterial blockage to congestive heart failure. It probably isn't, but better to rule out the bad things than assume it's nothing and be sorry later.

If you are substantially overweight, you are at increased risk for heart problems. Again, make an appointment ASAP, and make sure you tell the secretary what your symptoms are, so they can get you in quickly.

I hope it is just a panic attack.

[acw]

If it IS panic attacks Rystan, sherby will probably have one now when she reads your post!!!  I'm only kidding - your concern and advice are very sensible.  :-)