6th March 2005
Hi! This message is in response to Jpdst29. I am a 23 year old female, in good shape, do not smoke, and do not have asthma. I recently began having the same "air hunger" problem about two months ago upon moving to Florida. I constantly have to yawn or take a deep breath every few minutes in order to get a satisfying breath, and at first it was really scary, and I was sure something was wrong with me. After having every test under the sun, only to have everything come back negative, I finally allowed myself to believe that these symptoms are in fact caused by mass amounts of stress and anxiety. Like you, I find that if I'm occupied, I'm less likely to think about it, but otherwise it's always there.
However, I am definitely better than I was 2 months ago. That gives me hope that in two more months I'll be even better, and eventually at some point, symptom free!! :bouncing: So here are some tips that I have found to be helpful:
1. If you are truy concerned, get some bloodwork done and some x-rays to rule out anything serious, so you can have complete peace of mind. (are you positive this "air hunger" couldn't be related to allergies, asthma, thyroid, heart/lung problems?)
2. Buteyko breathing.....I was skeptical at first, but it really does help. I used information I received off of a website, and did it myself. They highly recommend that you get an instructor, but I didn't have access to one. {REMOVED}Let me know if you have any questions...it can be overwhelming at first...I don't even know if I'm doing it exactly right, :confused:, but whatever!!
3. Talk to your doctor about an anti-depressant or beta blocker. I was prescribed Lexapro, Metoprolol, and Xanax for the really bad days (which has inevitably been every day since this thing started)
4. Stay occupied....Now that I'm convinced that I'm just overbreathing, it is easier for me not to give in to that deep breath. Sometimes, I have to but it's definitely better when I'm not constantly thinking about it. But, try the Buteyko...cause it will really help you learn to restore your breathing back to it's natural pattern.
5. Eat right, Keep your sleep pattern pattern consistent, and continue to exercise (I know...easier said than done...right???) :rolleyes: Actually, you said yours is worse when you exercise...are you sure it's not asthma that is induced by strenuous activities?
6. Stay committed to keeping your mind strong. We have to fight this battle with our minds, so if nothing else re-train your brain to think only positive, healthy thoughts. Keep reminding yourself that you are a young, healthy, energetic 23 year old full of life. I have had to change my thinking patterns drastically. Whatever, you do.......Just think Positive!! :)
Well, that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure through your research, you've learned the basics: breathe only through your nose, take shallow breaths, breathe from the abdomen not the chest, and attempt to reduce your breaths to 12 breaths per minute. (none of this basic junk helped me, but I guess it's good to know!)
Anyways, if you have any questions or need support, I'm here and feeling your pain!! I know it seems debilitating at times, but stay focused and remain positive. We're both 23 and have our whole lives ahead of us!! Well take care, and bye for now! :wave:
However, I am definitely better than I was 2 months ago. That gives me hope that in two more months I'll be even better, and eventually at some point, symptom free!! :bouncing: So here are some tips that I have found to be helpful:
1. If you are truy concerned, get some bloodwork done and some x-rays to rule out anything serious, so you can have complete peace of mind. (are you positive this "air hunger" couldn't be related to allergies, asthma, thyroid, heart/lung problems?)
2. Buteyko breathing.....I was skeptical at first, but it really does help. I used information I received off of a website, and did it myself. They highly recommend that you get an instructor, but I didn't have access to one. {REMOVED}Let me know if you have any questions...it can be overwhelming at first...I don't even know if I'm doing it exactly right, :confused:, but whatever!!
3. Talk to your doctor about an anti-depressant or beta blocker. I was prescribed Lexapro, Metoprolol, and Xanax for the really bad days (which has inevitably been every day since this thing started)
4. Stay occupied....Now that I'm convinced that I'm just overbreathing, it is easier for me not to give in to that deep breath. Sometimes, I have to but it's definitely better when I'm not constantly thinking about it. But, try the Buteyko...cause it will really help you learn to restore your breathing back to it's natural pattern.
5. Eat right, Keep your sleep pattern pattern consistent, and continue to exercise (I know...easier said than done...right???) :rolleyes: Actually, you said yours is worse when you exercise...are you sure it's not asthma that is induced by strenuous activities?
6. Stay committed to keeping your mind strong. We have to fight this battle with our minds, so if nothing else re-train your brain to think only positive, healthy thoughts. Keep reminding yourself that you are a young, healthy, energetic 23 year old full of life. I have had to change my thinking patterns drastically. Whatever, you do.......Just think Positive!! :)
Well, that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure through your research, you've learned the basics: breathe only through your nose, take shallow breaths, breathe from the abdomen not the chest, and attempt to reduce your breaths to 12 breaths per minute. (none of this basic junk helped me, but I guess it's good to know!)
Anyways, if you have any questions or need support, I'm here and feeling your pain!! I know it seems debilitating at times, but stay focused and remain positive. We're both 23 and have our whole lives ahead of us!! Well take care, and bye for now! :wave: