Someone PLEASE help me figure out my breathing problem!?

Question

Ok so for the past week or so, I've been having trouble breathing. It's unexplained. I have a respiratory appointment at my hospital for September 9th, but until then, I'd like some insight. Here are my observations:

-I feel somewhat better after drinking water. But when I do drink water, I can feel it going down my chest. Like someone is pouring water over my ribs.

-I sleep better on my stomach and in the fetal position.

-My breathing is worse when I'm in a car. It's worse when I'm sitting up straight. It's worse when I hold my neck up straight (in other words, I feel better when my chin is resting on my chest). Lying down with my head against my chest or almost against my chest is most comfortable.

-Breathing is worse when my head is turned to the side.

-When I take in a deep breath, the air feels like it's crashing down on me.

-My throat is very dry often (more in the back of my mouth), as though my body isn't producing any saliva.

-My nose will get stuffy occasionally.

-Using an inhaler worked for about 2 minutes.

-Using Nasonex for my stuffy nose worked for my nose only. Did not improve my breathing.

-Breathing feels forced, as though I have to concentrate on it.

-Sometimes when talking, I feel like I can only talk in short sentences because I'll run out of air, even if I'm perfectly capable of getting out long sentences.

So those are mostly my main observations. I eat normally, I'm in marching band and play my instrument fine. I am having trouble sleeping due to this breathing issue, so I would like it resolved ASAP. If anyone has any ideas, please tell me. I used to have exercise-induced asthma. My mom thinks it could be due to anxiety, although I'm not sure what would be causing the anxiety. This has happened a few times since February this year, but not quite like this. I've gone to a regular doctor before, but they could never figure it out. Eventually, it always passed, but I'm not so sure this time.

Thank you in advance =]

Answer 1

I think that your mom may be correct, it sounds very much like anxiety.  I once had this identical problem.

Answer 2

Are you also experiencing dizziness and constant burping? Im not a physician or licensed to give advice but my brother went through the exact same problem so this is my best guess. You are physically exhausted and experiencing high anxiety levels. You might be doing too much, whether it be band or school work, or social activities that is breaking you down physically. Also, are you carrying heavy loads? This will hurt your back and attribute to your breathing problems. Your body recognizes its exhaustion by making it hard for you to breathe. As a result, your also dealing with anxiety, which explains the strong and weak heart beats you are going through. It's your body paniking. Dizzy spells and burping comes along as well. It's hard for you to breathe in areas like cars or standing up because your back is probably attributing to the problem. Again, I think you are carrying heavy loads that is hurting your back and causing breathing problems. So what can you do? First, warm baths help. It makes you relax. Also, you need to cut down on your activities, especially ones that require you to carry heavy objects or stand up too long. You are too young to be dealing with exhaustion and anxiety and you need to relax more. This is for your long term health. You should see your doctor and check if this might be the cause to your problems. I hope I helped and please relax and slow down.