LymeNet Flash: shortness of breath

This is topic shortness of breath in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by dullchime (Member # 6024) on :

Im getting kinda freaked out since lately Ive been experiencing shortness of breath and it comes and goes but tonight I tried to work out and only after 2min of stress I was having trouble breathing and its driving me nuts. I know this is a lyme symptom and all I just was wondering if anyone had a ideas on how to release it if thats even possible.
thanks

chime

Posted by snowboarder (Member # 6346) on :

Hi,

Have you tried accupuncture? I've had shortness of breath on and off and acup has helped me alot.

Unfortuanately I have no other answers but know exactly what your going through and can sympathize. My eight year old is going through the same thing and I honestly don't know what to tell her.

Also, you might try some relaxation techniques and a hot bath.

Hope your feeling better soon!

Posted by David95928 (Member # 3521) on :

Bill,

It sounds like you may be experiencing what lymies refer to as "air hunger." There is a sensation of not being able to pull oxygen out of the air, not an actual restriction of air flow. Also, oxygen saturation and spiriometries will be normal

If this is the case, I had it and it eventually went away with antibiotic treatment. This could be a symptom of Babesia but not necessarily as I was never treated for it.

David

Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :

This is one of the first things I noticed when this hit.

I would breath like I had just climbed a mountain in high altitude with an overweight backpack on when I just did the simpliest of things....like take a shower.

It seems to come and go. It mostly comes. I still haven't figured this one out nor have the docs so far.

Posted by dullchime (Member # 6024) on :

thanks for the replies, I was afraid to fall asleep last night, I thought I going to stop breathing or something. It didnt dissipate till I got out of bed and walked around my house.

I hope this symptom goes away soon
chime

Posted by paulscha (Member # 6334) on :

I've had this in a big way. It's harder for me to tolerate than pain or seizure.

While this 'air hunger' is thought to be separate from airway blockage, I was able to get relief through repeated irrigation of sinuses and use of a vaporizer. I think when confronted with symptoms that remain poorly understood like this, it's wise to do what common sense tells you and see if you can get some relief that way.

There are feedback mechanisms involved, I think. The more open your airways become, the more you can reassure yourself that you are in fact breathing just fine, the less anxiety the condition provokes, and the easier it is to avoid getting caught up in its cycle.

My 2 cents.

Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :

It seemed there were a couple of things going on wtih me. I learned to try and not be normal.

It was as I was too weak to get the air I needed at times.

I found that if I didn't push myself each day and gave my body rest, I do not have those time when it takes all I have just to make sure I get air.

I would wake up at night gasping or choking at first. Not sure what that was all about, but glad it doesn't happen anymore.

Posted by tvalentijn (Member # 5255) on :

that is exactly what I had, in combination with chest pain. What really helped me was taking Zithromax / Mepron. So I think the shortness of breath could point to Babesia.

Tim