I have been short of breath. I also breath very shallow. I used to lay in bed trying to fall asleep and suddenly I would take a huge intake of breath..like a big gasp, but for some unknown reason I haven't done that for awhile.

Hope this helps.

TC N Hugs Fybrochik

Yes, I get the same way. I believe it's my fibro causing it. I am also asthmatic....and my asthma meds don't help...not much.

What I have been doing is exercising my lungs. I also notice that I tend to curl up when I'm in pain. I talked with the PT lady about this. She said that we tend to do that when we are hurting.....it's simply natural.

She said to lay flat on the floor or as flat as possible.
Then, take deep breaths. Imagine that you are filling each quadrant of your lungs one at a time. Keep doing this.

One more thing is that I feel my nostrils swelling around the same time when I have difficulty breathing. Then when the episode is over with they "clear up". Like I suddenly get really stuffy for no reason.

My grams (I believe) had Fibro.....and her throat and tongue/ lips/ face would swell on her. She had to go into the ER for shots.

I've been concerned about this.

fybrochik, I have done that also just sitting here and breathing normal and just have to take a gasp of air. It was wierd. Dont happen all the time just every now and then. I have had it happen about four times. I hope everything gets better for you. I have had shortness of breath when I get really exhausted. I dont know if thats a fibro thing or not I know exhaustion is. ...Wy.

I would go get checked to be on the safe side...always...I Know when my ribs hurt, I breath more Shallow...this is No good...place ur hand on ur chest, the other hand on ur mid belly...ur belly hand should raise, not so much ur chest hand...when ya breath shallow, all the suddeen it is like you are getting None...Pay attention to ur breathing a bit...se how ur doing it...

Strange as it may sound, when we are Stressed we may hold our breath, or like when we Exercise...we tend to Hold it...not sure Why...

lay flat...pay attention to it...do this for 5 minutes...do Not take extrodinary Deep breaths...just be sure ur hand raises more on ur belly, then on ur chest...

i have the problem too..but with the fibro...i have asthma and allergies and so on...mention it your dr..just to be safe....hugs

I have issues with breathing too. I will feel as though someone just stuck plugs into the top portion of my nostrils. I get short of breath just doing simple things (like changing positions!). Rheumy said it was a part of fibro and that these are sensations a person w/o fibro typically doesn't notice.

My guess is that it has to do with the muscle contractions in the face. The problem is that I also have anxiety/panic. So if I start to feel like I can't breathe, I panic and make matters worse. I have been working through a great workbook that is helping me through the panic attacks and focusing more on "belly breathing".

Yes. I think it goes along with the pain. I find myself holding my breath or having staggering breathing because of it. Man, this pain affects EVERYTHING doesn't it?

I get shortness of breath too. I'm told by my doctor it's due to severe chest muscle exhaustion.

I have shallow breathing. I do have mild allergies and asthma which may contribute. But I think a lot of mine has to do with the muscles around the rib cage and in the chest are restricting the lungs. It has been much better after going thru PT and exercising regularly. Hugs that you feel better soon!

FYBROChik - I suppose that it could be a combo of the FM/CFS thingy. However, I am having more breathing problems & exhaustion than pain. Oh, heck, not saying I'm pain free and skipping thru the tulips (lol) but the pain seems 2nd to the exhaustion/breathing. Also, just the least exertion and I break out in a sweat in addition to the breathing troubles. Go figure.
Thanks.

WONDERBABY - Never heard of this. Maybe it's not really FM related? The swelling part I mean. Me, can't lay on back as then I REALLY CAN'T BREATHE! I mean, I injured my neck/back and if I am on my back more than 1 min. I really have hard time breathing. I can only lay on my right side since all the injuries/illnesses. Go figure. Thanks.

Hey, check to see if your pillow or other bedding has feathers.....I did notice that we went to a cabin for vacation and the bedding had goose down and I about died! Talk about major stuffed up!

THANKS TO ALL WHO POSTED.....nice to know I am not nuts or weird. Sad tho that it does seem to be common.

ANYONE TRY THOSE BREATHE RIGHT NOSE STRIPS???

Hey FIC~

Yah, many swell in various places. Lots with hands and feet. That's really common. But several with their faces swelling.. or their belly's will swell up.

If you can't lay on your back maybe just sit upright the best you can. But think of filling your lungs slow and take in as much air as you feel comfortable. Filling it a little more each time you do it.

LOL, I know, isn't it sad but comforting knowing we are not a bunch of freaks? I love this site! I so feel a home here!

I was wondering about that too. I was really upset and in pain a couple weeks ago and I started getting shortness of breath. I thought it was my allergies, but maybe not...

My doc says its one or a combination of these things, muscle fatigue in chest wall, swelling , and missed signals in brain. Remember that fibro is largely thought to be a disorder of the Central Nervous System . I have had the breathing difficulty to the point that I was afraid I woudl nto breathe at all and would die..alone in the house at the time, very scary..and I dont have asthma or allergies...