going to hold your breath

Gasp

by Persephone - 2021-09-10 22:40:10

Hi wiserdonna - I'm not sure I've experienced the feeling you describe, but I could offer a suggestion that it may be shortness of breath. Have u discussed this with your doctor?  When is it occurring - what are you doing at the time?

Involuntary deep breaths

by Gemita - 2021-09-11 04:58:20

Hello Wiserdonna,

Yes, I know that feeling well.  A feeling that you are taking an “involuntary” deep breath and holding it.  For me, it is nature’s way of getting more air into my lungs when I have been breathing shallowly or when more oxygen is needed (say during an arrhythmia like Atrial Fibrillation which can literally  “take my breath away”).  

Like Persephone says, I would encourage you to visit the doctor, so that he can listen to your chest for signs of any problems.  This symptom can be due to many conditions, including hyperventilation (over breathing), stress and anxiety, a respiratory infection, uncontrolled COPD and asthma, fluid retention and other conditions.  

There is a lot that can be done to help with triggers for dysfunctional breathing patterns if they become troublesome and respiratory physiotherapy is an excellent treatment to help us to learn to breathe correctly, to help to correct any poor postural habits, anxiety/stress related problems and to help treat lung conditions, like COPD and asthma.  Most importantly, try not to get over anxious about any breathing distress (hard I know), but please see your doctor for some checks.  I wish you well

Involuntary deep breaths

by sws - 2021-09-15 12:10:04

I have a single,  random hiccup every now and then, every few days which I think is along the same line. It DOES get attention from those around me when it happens,  especially with them knowing I now have an ICD. I've had that "extra breath" before as well, almost coming out as a sigh.

Sometimes when falling asleep

by Shaun - 2021-09-17 16:54:33

I sometimes feel that when falling asleep and I've often wondered if it's my pacemaker starting to pace as my heartrate drops. I also find myself momentarily holding my breath as I pass through store / airport security detectors (although I've yet to feel affected by external magnetic fields).

Falling Asleep Too

by MinimeJer05 - 2021-09-26 00:19:11

I have experienced similar issues as Shaun describes above. Sometimes while sitting on the couch getting sleepy or sometimes while in bed falling asleep -- like my body is playing catch-up and grabbing a breathe somewhat suddenly. 
 

it doesn't happen all of the time and it seems to be less and less intense since when I got my PM placed 3 weeks ago, but I do notice it and often wonder what the heck is going on?

Jer