I have trouble getting a full deep satisfying breath all the time.In between those breaths i feel like i am suffocating and hungry for air.I have had alot of tests done and all came back normal.I am bipolar and have Chiari 1 Malformation.All my doctors thinks it's anxiety but i don't believe that.I'm scared and it's taking control of my life.Does anyone know anything about this?
Q: Trouble taking in a deep full satifying breath
Answers (1)
11/ 6/08 10:52pm
I have recently developed a similar problem (since getting married and starting medical school). I know what you are going through. These situations are really scary. I experienced dizzy spells and at one point something that to me felt like a seizure. This seizure like experience started with the trouble taking in a deep full satisfying breath and then persisted to a tingling sensation in my face that let to every muscle in my body contracting at the same time (this was every painful and scary). I later learned that this experience was caused by a ca++ imbalance that was due to hyperventilation (possibly caused by anxiety). I have also had a lot of test that have all come back normal and had a hard time accepting that this might only be anxiety, but I have worked on trying to manage my stress and have found relief. During times of stress the symptoms return. Try to relax and see if that helps the problem. I would suggest starting this process by talking with a friend and building confidence concerning your health (meaning there is a good possibility you are totally healthy). That seemed to work for me.
9/19/11 5:20pm
I had the same trouble while on Zoloft. It might be a typical side effect of the medication. I stayed on it only a few weeks before switching to something else. That was almost twenty years ago, and I'm not certain what I switched to, but I think it was Paxil. Anyway, going off of Zoloft was a relief. I'm sort of addicted to breathing.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I've had this problem for over 40 years....on and off....on again now... I was always told it was sighing resperation, panic disorder. I was under control for many years, but since Thursday, they are full blown again. Can't take deep breaths, can't yawn and it lasts for ours even after taking a tranquilizer. Called an ambulance on Friday and they found nothing wrong with me. I am not in a constant state of panic. My doctor just changed my meds. Took me off of Prozaz and Klonopin and switched me to Zoloft and Valium. Had an ekg a couple of months ago and it was within normal limits. I just made an appointment to see a cardiologist just to make sure my heart is okay. I am 58 years old. HELP!