What Causes Involuntary Holding Up Of Breath?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Yes....I find that I sometimes am holding my breath, even though I don't want to. Usually when on a computer, and I don't exhale until I hit "send", or something like that. Plus, also like when I move something. Feels like I do it all the time.

Answered by Dr. Monish De (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
CT scan chest

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Since you are having feeling of holding breath even when you do not want i would advise you to do a CT scan of chest with contrast.

This type of feeling is caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer.

You must go to the ER and do the scan to find the exact cause of your breath holding.

Regards

DR DE

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Monish De (5 minutes later)

Which type of specialist should I see? I should add that I work out regularly, get my heart rate safely up past 130+, and am rarely short of breath when I do. However, I am prone to Bronchitis.

Answered by Dr. Monish De (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pulmomologist

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I would advise you to see a pulmonology specialist first.

If any space occupying lesion is found in the CT scan then he or she will refer you to an oncologist.

Regards

DR DE

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar