OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Breathing Difficulties Despite Normal Oxygen Levels

I’m a 38-year-old female from the USA, standing at 5'3" and weighing 150 pounds. I’ve never smoked, and just ten hours ago, I received urgent medical attention concerning my current breathing challenges. I have a history of various medical conditions, including ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease (which affects my thyroid's hormone production), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), chronic costochondritis, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Currently, my medications include levothyroxine, cytomel, focalin, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, hydroxyzine (taken as needed), Ativan (also as needed), and albuterol (used when necessary). A few weeks back, I contracted the flu and was treated with Tamiflu. Subsequently, I developed a sinus infection and pneumonia, for which I completed courses of two different antibiotics—a Z-pack and another one I'm unable to recall. For the past four days, I’ve been grappling with respiratory difficulties. Despite my pulse oximeter readings consistently showing oxygen saturation above 90%, I still feel a profound sense of not being able to breathe. My chest is tight, akin to a heavy embrace from someone much larger, leaving me feeling constricted. I struggle to inflate my lungs completely, leading to large breaths taken through my mouth that still leave me feeling unsatisfied. These efforts often trigger coughing fits, and I find myself frequently in a tripod position, seeking relief. Lying down exacerbates the wheezing and whistling sounds of my breathing. Rather than the typical shortness of breath characterized by rapid shallow gasps, my experience is more akin to feeling like I’ve been submerged underwater, desperately reaching for the surface. Even after breaking through, my lungs continue to burn and crave more air. I sought help last night at urgent care, where they performed an EKG and deemed the results "beautiful." I received a nebulizer treatment containing a steroid, along with a prescription for prednisone (40 mg taken about nine hours ago), but these interventions have not alleviated my symptoms. Before my visit, I tried various remedies including steam from hot showers, using a humidifier, inhaling colder air outside, and attempting pursed lip breathing exercises (which made my situation significantly worse). I even took Ativan to calm myself, suspecting it might be anxiety-related, and experimented with different positions I found online for relief, alongside using albuterol. This isn’t the first episode I’ve experienced; over the last decade, I’ve had numerous similar attacks. A doctor once tried to help but couldn’t pinpoint the issue, yet they provided me with a rescue inhaler that has consistently failed during these episodes. Typically, the attacks resolve quickly, but this is the first instance where I’ve endured it for several days. I’m at a loss, feeling physically and emotionally exhausted as breathing becomes an overwhelming task. It is affecting my daily life and diminishing my ability to function. I’m perplexed as to why my lungs feel starved for air when my pulse oximeter indicates sufficient oxygen levels. Any medical professionals on Reddit, can you help identify what might be happening? How can I regain comfortable breathing?

Answers (1)

2/5/2026, 11:00:54 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandably distressing to face persistent breathing difficulties, especially when your oxygen levels are normal. Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of factors related to your medical history and recent respiratory conditions. Here’s a concise overview of what you might be experiencing and steps to consider.

Main Points:

1. Persistent Breathing Difficulty: Though oxygen saturation is normal, the sensation of not being able to breathe is concerning and can stem from psychological or physical factors.
2. Potential Contributing Factors: Conditions like anxiety, history of respiratory issues, and fibromyalgia may exacerbate your perception of breathlessness.

Explanation:

Breathlessness, despite normal oxygen levels, can sometimes be due to anxiety, muscle tension, or inflammation in the airways, especially after recent infections. Your description of tightness and discomfort could also be linked to conditions like costochondritis or POTS, which can influence breathing patterns and sensations. The use of medications like prednisone and albuterol indicates that inflammation or bronchospasm is being treated, but sometimes these treatments take longer to show full effects, especially in the context of ongoing respiratory issues.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your breathing patterns, triggers, and any changes. Use a diary to note when your symptoms worsen or improve, which can help identify patterns or triggers.
2. Use Optimal Positioning: When breathing feels difficult, continue using positions that you find helpful, like leaning forward or maintaining a tripod position. You might also try elevating your head when lying down.
3. Calm Your Mind: If anxiety could be contributing to your symptoms, focus on relaxation techniques. You might find gentle forms of meditation or deep breathing exercises beneficial, but avoid those that previously intensified your symptoms.
4. Hydrate and Rest: Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus in the airways. Prioritize rest and avoid exertion that worsens breathlessness.
5. Follow Up on Your Care: Since your symptoms have persisted for several days despite initial treatments, it’s crucial to keep your healthcare provider informed. If symptoms worsen or you experience new signs like persistent coughing or wheezing, seek further evaluation.

Your experience is significant, and it's vital to find relief from your symptoms. Address each component—both physical and psychological—to improve your situation. If you have ongoing concerns or your symptoms change, don't hesitate to reach out for further medical support.