Seeking Clarity on My Breathing Issues
Age: 15, Weight: 120 lbs A month ago, I made the decision to stop vaping because it felt as though I was inhaling through a straw. After experiencing concerns, I visited the emergency room. They concluded it was merely anxiety, despite having done an X-ray with no findings. Currently, I have this unsettling sensation of inadequate oxygen intake. Interestingly, I don’t have to yawn to feel satisfied with my breathing. When I’m engaged with something, it doesn’t seem to be a significant issue. Although at times, particularly when lying down, it brings back that straw-like sensation. I’ve noticed that after staying up all night, I don’t feel tired at all, yet maintaining a proper sleep routine leads me to sleep soundly. Just last night I went to bed at 8 PM and woke up at 1 AM. Now, sitting here at 12:56 AM, I am still wide awake. I’m left wondering—what’s happening to me? Am I experiencing something serious?
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 5:01:18 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning breathing sensations, especially after stopping vaping, and it's understandable to feel uneasy about it. Your symptoms, including the feeling of inadequate oxygen intake and the straw-like sensation when lying down, are not uncommon, especially after a significant change in habits like quitting vaping. Here's how to approach the situation:
Explanation:
After stopping vaping, your body is adjusting—this can include changes in how your lungs function and may lead to temporary feelings of breathlessness or discomfort. Anxiety can also play a big role in these sensations, as it's common for stress to affect how we perceive our breathing. The fact that you notice these feelings most when resting and they improve when distracted could indicate an anxiety component.
Next Steps:
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in breathing exercises or mindfulness practices. Techniques like deep belly breathing can help manage anxiety and improve your breathing awareness.
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Monitor Your Breathing: Keep track of when these sensations occur (like when lying down) and note any patterns or triggers. This can help you identify if anxiety may play a role.
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Maintain Sleep Hygiene: Since you mentioned variability in your sleep routine, aim for consistent sleep patterns: try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep, and avoid screen time an hour before bed.
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Stay Active: Regular physical activity can improve lung capacity and reduce anxiety. Even a short daily walk can be beneficial.
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Limit Caffeine and Stimulants: These can increase anxiety levels and may affect your sleep, so try to reduce their intake, especially in the evening.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals to support your overall health.
Keep in Mind:
If your symptoms worsen, persist beyond a few weeks, or you experience serious issues like chest pain or intense shortness of breath, it would be important to seek further medical evaluation. Trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Please take care, and feel free to share any updates or further questions you might have!
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