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What Causes Shortness Of Breath While Standing In Water?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Mar 2015
Question: I've had this problem for a while now, but noticed it seemed worse today. When I'm standing chest deep in water I can't breathe well. And by can't breathe well I mean like can't take a breath in AT ALL, not just trouble taking a breath. Also after a few seconds my heart was only beating once every few seconds. I'm it has something to do with the pressure to affect the lungs and heart like that, but I can't imagine what could cause me not to be able to take a breath at all. I breathe ok when I'm underwater swimming around, but the problem is standing in the water.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Likely normal phenomenon

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. These breathing issues while standing in the water are normal due to buoyancy principles plus water has higher pressure than air. When it is around the chest you need more pressure than air pressure to make the lungs inflate and chest expand. This is all boyles law. Negative pressure is achieved by cest dilation and lungs inflation and water around chest is decreasing that. Thats the reason humans are meant for air and not water.

No worries. Just don't stay in water for long and swim for a while and come out. If you feel like it is more than that. There is only one way to know. Get your pulmonary functions assessed and inspiratory flow rates will tell us if there is any thing else causing it.

There is no harm in getting evaluated but i am sure it will be clear. Just rest for a while take some anxiolytics and get some labs done by visiting a doctor.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)
I know about the pressure differences, and I know sometimes other people have similar issues, but I've never heard about not being able to breathe at all and the heart rate rapidly dropping, that's just weird to me. I have a doctor appointment next week, I will mention it to her.

I do also get a little nauseous after so I don't know if that's related but would imagine it is.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Lets wait for appointment

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back

Anxiety, musculoskeletal pain which is common in swimming exercises, and acid reflux problems too can cause breathing difficulties. Lets wait for the appointment. Try anxiolytics and see if it relieves this dyspnea and may cause psychological dyspnea.

I hope it helps.
Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath While Standing In Water?

Brief Answer: Likely normal phenomenon Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. These breathing issues while standing in the water are normal due to buoyancy principles plus water has higher pressure than air. When it is around the chest you need more pressure than air pressure to make the lungs inflate and chest expand. This is all boyles law. Negative pressure is achieved by cest dilation and lungs inflation and water around chest is decreasing that. Thats the reason humans are meant for air and not water. No worries. Just don't stay in water for long and swim for a while and come out. If you feel like it is more than that. There is only one way to know. Get your pulmonary functions assessed and inspiratory flow rates will tell us if there is any thing else causing it. There is no harm in getting evaluated but i am sure it will be clear. Just rest for a while take some anxiolytics and get some labs done by visiting a doctor. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan