Hey guys. Hope you all are well. So, basically since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Ive been dealing with a plethora of issues caused by anxiety. At first, I thought I had the virus then I thought I had COPD and then MS but after 2 doctor visits all my tests came back clean. My body is perfectly healthy. Back in March and April I dealt with very bad breathing issues that left me gasping for air just from taking a shower. Ive dealt with tightness in my chest, neck, abdomen, sides, back, and jaw. It feels as though there is a blockage in my windpipe. My burps don't come smoothly, it feels like they get caught in my windpipe. I cant expand my chest and sides to get a full, refreshing breath. My lower abdomen is depressed into my body. Ive dealt with heart palpations, sweating, insomnia caused by the anxiety, and tingling in my feet and hands, but those have gone away recently as my brain has calmed knowing there's nothing wrong with my physically. Still almost 5 months later I can't expand for a full breath. If anyone knows or has experienced any or all of these (esp. the lower abs part) now or before please give me advice on how to fix it. Ive never been an anxious person, but I think all the fear and change caused by pandemic really brought out the worst in my mind. Its been getting better very slowly but any advice to help me finally break through would be great.Thanks a bunch.
Get all of your vitamin levels checked - specifically B12
Thanks Milao
i did get them all checked they all came back good except for my vitamin D levels which were low (understandable since weve all been inside for a few months)
Hmm, if that has been ruled out it sounds a little like Chronic Hyperventillation Syndrome. I have this (due to long standing panic and anxiety) and it really messes with you! I get really restless sometimes and I feel “uncomfortable” with my breathing and my upper abdomen feels like it is heavy and weighing a ton on me (hard to explain). At this point I begin to “sigh” or take long breaths quite regularly. This is the point I realise my breathing is off and I am unknowingly breathing through my mouth. I have every single symptom you describe and more! The shower thing got me every time, my heart would race, I would get light headed and feel breathless. Pay close attention to your breathing when you begin to feel this way, you will probably find you are breathing through your mouth or trying to take deep, full breaths a lot. That is a classic symptom of someone who over breaths 24/7! It is really frustrating but mine has started to improve a little now
Ill look into it, thanks!