Hypoxia and Medicine

Shortness of Breath?

I'm a 23 year old female, no medical issues or conditions in the past, including asthma. I have had shortness of breath for about 3 years now, sporadically. I first noticed it my sophomore year of college, when I was constantly under stress from classes and a job. I went to the doctor shortly after noticing the symptoms, and I was given a chest x-ray and had several other tests run. My doctor told me it was stress-related and basically left it at that. Now that I am out of school, I still sometimes feel like I can't take a deep-enough breath, though I only occassionally feel stressed, and to a much lesser degree. I don't experience chest pain, numbness, or dizzy spells, I just feel like I can't take a deep breath. It doesn't seem any worse or better different times of the year or day, or when I lie down or exercise. Can anyone help me out? Thanks. The shortness of breath occurs regardless of what I'm doing (exercising, talking, watching tv, etc.) I was not exposed to large amounts of second-hand smoke as a child or even now. I am 5'7" and weigh 130 lbs. No anxiety issues that I know of Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Stress can cause so many things. I think you should go have a check up and deal with the stress. Stress can be very bad. Do you have any kind of anxiety? That may be causing it as well.
2. Do you inhale through your nose or your mouth, you want to be using your nose for this. Inhaling through your mouth is less effective. When you try to take a really deep breath, what conditions exist that shallowness happens...are you talking, excercising or otherwise active? Are you exposed to second hand smoke regularly or when you were growing up? Is there any pain if you breathe deeply or sharp pain? Have you had a cold or alergy recently? Is your weight above average? If you don't know, then keep track so when and if it happens again you can see if there is a pattern forming, patterns are great things and can work wonders once known, takes the guesswork out.