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Breathing related
I have been experiencing persistent breathing discomfort. It feels like I am running out of breath, and at times I have to consciously remind myself to breathe. Breathing has started to feel effortful, as though it has become a task rather than automatic. Even after taking deep breaths, it feels insufficient.
I also experience a strange sensation in my chest.. a sense of shallowness or sinking. This occurs even while talking. There is mild chest tightness (approximately 10% in intensity). Additionally, I have noticed episodes of heart fluttering/palpitations.
Answers (15)
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Pls consult pulmonologist
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Your symptoms may be related to anxiety, breathing pattern issues, or a mild heart/lung concern and need proper assessment. Try slow, relaxed breathing and avoid caffeine for now.
Next Steps
Please consult me online for detailed evaluation and appropriate treatment.
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Please go for ecg and spirometry to evaluate first then consult me on practo for further management and evaluation.
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Symptoms may be Respiratory System related,Cardiac related or Anxiety related... kindly consult for better evaluation, diagnosis and treatment
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Do the following (indeed your symptoms describe the mythology about Onidine and the curse),
1. Chest x ray
2. Spirometry with reversibility assessment
3. Arterial blood gas ideally early morning 7am
4. Use a smart watch with oxygen saturation sensor
All the best.
J G S R clinic
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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Your symptoms include:
• Feeling of not getting enough breath
• Need to consciously remind yourself to breathe
• Chest tightness (mild)
• Palpitations or heart fluttering
• Sensation of sinking or hollowness in the chest
This pattern is most commonly seen in anxiety-related breathing dysfunction, especially:
• Hyperventilation syndrome
• Panic or stress response
• Somatic anxiety
Key features suggesting this:
• Breathing feels “manual” instead of automatic
• Deep breaths don’t feel satisfying
• Symptoms occur even during talking or rest
• Palpitations with mild chest tightness
In true heart or lung disease, patients usually have:
• Breathlessness on exertion
• Persistent chest pain
• Low oxygen levels
• Cough, wheezing, or swelling
Your symptoms sound more like functional breathing discomfort rather than a structural heart or lung issue—but this should be confirmed with basic tests if not already done.
Next Steps
Basic tests (if not done recently)
You should get:
1. ECG
2. Pulse oximetry (SpO₂ at rest)
3. CBC
4. Thyroid profile
5. Chest X-ray (if symptoms persist >2–3 weeks)
These help rule out:
• Anemia
• Thyroid imbalance
• Arrhythmias
• Lung conditions
Immediate practical step
Try this breathing reset exercise:
4–6 breathing technique
• Inhale slowly through nose for 4 seconds
• Exhale slowly through mouth for 6 seconds
• Repeat for 5 minutes, 2–3 times daily
This reduces hyperventilation and palpitations.
Health Tips
• Avoid frequent deep “forceful” breaths
• Reduce caffeine and energy drinks
• Maintain regular sleep timing
• Walk daily for 20–30 minutes
• Stay hydrated
Red flag symptoms (seek urgent care if present)
• Chest pain spreading to arm/jaw
• Fainting
• Severe breathlessness
• Oxygen saturation below 94%
⸻
What you’re describing is very common in stress-related breathing patterns, and it is treatable and reversible once the cause is identified. Many patients feel dramatic improvement with simple breathing retraining and reassurance.
If you’d like, we can review your symptoms, stress factors, and any past reports together in an online consultation so you get a clear diagnosis and a step-by-step plan.
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X-ray chest
ECG
2D echo
Next Steps
Deep breathing
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Maybe due to anxiety or otherwise
More detailed history is desirable
Next Steps
Consultation for detailed discussion is advisable
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Hrct chest advisable
Ab phyllinsr200 two times a day after food for five days.
Steam inhalation with Vicks or eucalyptus oil two times before meals .
Last but not least
Nebulization with duoline n budecort respule two times for 3to5 days.
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Consult to pulmonologist
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Dr. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
Dear Patient
Your symptoms of breathing discomfort feeling of not getting enough air needing to consciously breathe mild chest tightness and palpitations are quite common in young adults and are most often related to functional causes rather than serious lung or heart disease especially at your age.
The most likely causes include
• Anxiety or stress related breathing pattern disorder (very common)
• Gastric reflux or acidity causing chest discomfort
• Muscle tension in chest wall
• Mild anemia or vitamin deficiency
• Less commonly asthma or heart rhythm issue
The sensation of needing to remind yourself to breathe is called air hunger and usually happens when the body is in a stress or hyper awareness state. Oxygen levels are usually normal even though the feeling is uncomfortable.
What you should do
• Practice slow breathing exercises inhale 4 seconds hold 2 seconds exhale 6 seconds repeat 5 to 10 minutes
• Avoid excessive caffeine tea coffee energy drinks
• Maintain proper sleep schedule
• Gentle walking or light exercise daily helps reset breathing pattern
• Check hemoglobin vitamin B12 vitamin D thyroid if not done recently
• If acidity symptoms present take antacid or PPI for few days
Most cases improve with reassurance breathing training and stress control.
Consult me if
• Breathlessness increases on exertion
• Persistent chest pain dizziness or fainting
• Pulse remains above 110 repeatedly
• Symptoms continue more than 2 to 3 weeks
For proper evaluation guidance and treatment plan you can text me on Practo anytime.
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Kindly consult
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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