Struggling to Breathe Deeply
Over the past few days, I've found it increasingly difficult to take a full, satisfying breath. It feels as if there's a blockage in my throat, almost as if I need to burp or, more distressingly, vomit. Initially, I presumed it was just some trapped gas, but the discomfort has been ongoing and quite severe, which is adding to my anxiety—ironically making the situation worse. I've had some health conditions in the past, such as POTS and hEDS, but these have never affected my breathing before. Now, whenever I attempt to inhale deeply, I feel restricted, unable to truly fill my lungs. I’ve experimented with methods like applying hot compresses to my abdomen, practicing yoga, and doing breathing exercises, but none of these seem to provide relief. I've also been trying to induce burping or expel air, yet that doesn't alleviate the issue either. At 18 years old and assigned female at birth, I’m unsure where to turn next. Any advice or suggestions that could help me find some comfort would be immensely appreciated.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 12:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing difficulty with your breathing, as this can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally challenging. The sensation of not being able to take a deep breath can stem from various sources, such as anxiety, muscle tension, or digestive issues. Given your history with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), it's understandable that your symptoms might feel intimidating.
Key Points:
- Breathing Difficulty Causes: The feeling of restricted breathing can result from anxiety, muscle tension, or even gastrointestinal issues. Your history of chronic conditions may play a role in your symptoms.
- Prioritize Relaxation and Breathing Techniques: While you've already tried some techniques, we need to refine and prioritize your approach to managing anxiety and tension that may be contributing to your symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms to identify any patterns or triggers over the next few days.
Steps to Take:
-
Practice Deep Breathing: Focus on calming your nervous system with deep breathing exercises. Try the following method: Sit or lie down comfortably, place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to rise more than your chest. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Aim for 5-10 minutes of this practice a few times daily.
-
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique can help reduce physical tension. Starting from your toes, tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, moving up to your head. This can alleviate some physical discomfort associated with anxiety.
-
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Irritants: Ensure you're drinking enough water and avoiding irritants like caffeine and smoky environments that might worsen your symptoms.
-
Check for Triggers: Pay attention to any specific events or foods that seem to precede episodes of discomfort. This can help in understanding if there are any particular factors contributing to your breathing difficulties.
-
Maintain Open Communication: It’s essential to keep an eye on how these symptoms progress. If you notice severe symptoms worsens, such as significant pain, changes in color or ability to respond, seek help quickly.
Lastly, it's important to acknowledge that your anxiety is a legitimate response to feeling unwell. These feelings can exacerbate your breathing difficulties, perpetuating a cycle of discomfort. Remember to be kind to yourself as you navigate this. If your symptoms persist or worsen despite these strategies, don't hesitate to seek support from a healthcare professional who can provide tailored assistance.
Related Questions
Impact of a Sudden Blow to the Neck
Recently, I (M16) unexpectedly received a strike to the left side of my neck. Now, I’m contemplating whether this incident requires any concern. I experienced a brief sensation of weakness right after the impact, but soon afterward, I felt completely normal again.
Elevated Heart Rate Following Meals
I am a 22-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 1 inch and weighing 139 pounds. Recently, I've noticed that my heart rate significantly increases after I have a meal. Typically, my resting heart rate is around 70 beats per minute, but it can soar to approximately 125 after eating. This pattern has emerged during episodes of relapse related to my restrictive eating disorder, which is my third occurrence. Generally, I only consume dinner, but I occasionally drink Liquid IV and Poppi soda. Back in 2021, during my first experience with restricting, I consulted a cardiologist who assured me that my heart was in good condition.
Elevated ALP Level Concerns
I’m a male in my thirties, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 155 pounds. Recently, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever accompanied by chills that lasted for about three weeks. To investigate the cause, I underwent a blood test last week. The results indicated elevated white blood cells and platelet counts, while my red blood cell levels were within the normal range. However, I still show signs of anemia due to low hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, and my alkaline phosphatase (ALP) reading was notably high at 400, although bilirubin levels remained in the normal range. Tests for mononucleosis and hepatitis returned negative results. I have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow, primarily because I have multiple large gallstones, which I suspect might be affecting my liver. Fortunately, the fever and chills subsided over the last few days and I’m feeling quite well, but an unusual itchiness has emerged across my entire body—it's been quite intense. I typically struggle with itchiness during winter, particularly on my legs; I tend to scratch a lot every year. However, this recent itchiness feels widespread and doesn’t come with any rash. There are no swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, fatigue, headaches, or any pain present. My weight normally hovers around 160 pounds, but I have lost some in recent weeks, possibly due to anxiety that made it difficult to eat, as my stomach felt uneasy and overly full. Additionally, during an examination, my doctor noted slight liver enlargement that could be felt during palpation of my abdomen. This recent itchiness has caused me some concern, and I'm uncertain if it's simply a reaction to my dry skin or linked to my anxiety (I tend to be quite anxious). What might be causing such an elevated level of ALP? I can’t help but worry about lymphoma, but my doctor doesn't believe that’s the case, and I lack the typical symptoms associated with it.
Concerns Regarding ECG Results: Left Atrial Enlargement and Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
My recent ECG from an emergency room visit indicates that I may have left atrial enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy. However, this information was not communicated to me, and I was discharged after being treated for stomach flu. My medical background includes common issues such as elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, and being overweight. How critical are these ECG findings? Should I inform my primary care physician about this situation? Would it be wise to consult a cardiologist? I am currently planning to relocate to another state, approximately a ten-hour drive away, to start a new desk job, which involves mostly sedentary work. Is it advisable to postpone my move based on my health circumstances? I am a 36-year-old male, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds. My current medications include amlodipine, amiloride, atorvastatin, glipizide, and hydralazine. I have never been a smoker.
Seeking Guidance on Lung Function Results
A 28-year-old woman seeks clarification regarding her recent pulmonary assessments, feeling quite anxious about the findings. The spirometry results indicate a restrictive pattern in lung function. Specifically, her Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is recorded at 2.64 liters, which represents 74% of the expected value, with a Z-score of -1.86. The Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) stands at 2.4 liters, or 78% of the predicted value, and it has a Z-score of -1.52. The FEV1/FVC ratio is measured at 91%, correlating to a Z-score of +0.88. Additionally, there is minimal responsiveness noted after inhaling bronchodilator medication. The tests show significantly reduced lung volumes overall, with a moderate decrease in the Residual Volume to Total Lung Capacity (RV/TLC) ratio. However, the Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) is within normal limits, as is the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) test. In summary, these pulmonary function tests reveal a considerable restriction in lung capacity without any compensatory response to the inhaled bronchodilators, highlighting markedly lower lung volumes alongside normal DLCO and FeNO values.