What Could Be The Cause Bouts Of Air Hunger?

Posted on Tue, 18 Feb 2025

Question: For the past few years I have been experiencing bouts of air hunger. It feels like I cant take a full satisfying breath. Bouts come on and off cant seem to identify a trigger. My oxegen level and peak flow is normal during these bouts. I have been cleared by a cardiologist and recently had full lung function test along with xray which came back normal. The sensation can be very unnerving. What could be the cause?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly it is due to stress and anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Since your lung functions and cardiac work up is normal, no need to worry for major heart and lung diseases.
In my opinion, it is due to stress and anxiety.
Please let me know
1. Do you have stressful life?
2. Any stressor in your life? Anxiety?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions so that I can guide you better about medicines. Wish you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Thanks for your response. I believe you may be right my body tends to react to stress physically before I even acknowledge that I am stressed.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid stress and tension.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, this is mostly due to stress and anxiety related.
So avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm. Don't think too much about it. Divert your mind from this. Don't pay much attention to these symptoms.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj