Sudden intake of breath

Obviously I’m no expert and you should see your GP if you are concerned. Could it just be that you are shallow breathing especially as you have anxiety? Then every so often your body needs more oxygen and gasps in extra air. Try taking deeper breaths now and then see if it helps but definitely see your GP if it doesn’t improve.

but that is a symptom, isn't it ?
contact GP.

Funnily enough, exactly the same has been happening to me lately! It’s when I’m relaxed on the sofa watching tv. Don’t think it happens other times, or at least I haven’t noticed that it does.

I get this occasionally while lying in bed just before going to sleep.

This happens to me, it's because I have cardiac problems. Please see your GP, just in case.

I’ve experienced this too. It’s a strange involuntary intake. It doesn’t happen often so when it does it startles me! I’ve never given it much thought to be honest. Doesn’t worry me.

I get it too sometimes! It’s like a sudden gasp isn’t it? it is nothing to do with exertion as I get it just sitting reading or driving the car. Doesn’t bother me though.

Mine was nothing to do with exertion either. It often happened when I was sleeping and woke me up.
I wasn't worried either and thought nothing of it, until it became more frequent and I mentioned to my cardiologist.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I find your comments reassuring

I get that sometimes, but only since I had pneumonia back in March. Within a few weeks I was more or less back to normal, but I don’t think the affected lung (thank goodness only one) is quite 100% what it was.
It doesn’t bother me though.

I get that occasionally. It's like a little double gasp through the mouth. It isn't related to exercise or exertion so I ignore it.

I have the opposite. I sometimes (usually in bed at night) have the feeling that I'm not getting enough air - almost drowning. I can't take a deep enough breath or yawn.

It's not an age thing - the only other person I've heard say they had this was a young colleague at work.

JackyB

I have the opposite. I sometimes (usually in bed at night) have the feeling that I'm not getting enough air - almost drowning. I can't take a deep enough breath or yawn.

It's not an age thing - the only other person I've heard say they had this was a young colleague at work.

That's called "air hunger" JackyB. I have asthma and I used to get that before my inhalers were changed.

I also get the involuntary gasping thing - only over the last couple of years - sometimes when I'm watching tv or reading, other times when I'm getting off to sleep. I've ignored it so far... put it down to stress and/or asthma.

Marydoll What did your cardiologist say when you mentioned it?

It signifies low oxygen levels, Sparklefizz. Fortunately I did mention it, because as a result, I was admitted to hospital, where it was discovered I was on a totally unsuitable heart medication and the dose had been doubled by my GP. It was actually making my condition worse. I ended up in coronary care for a week, until they got to the bottom of things. I was very, very fortunate that someone listened to me.
It settled after the meds were changed. I still get it occasionally, but now I know what it is, I just keep an eye on things. I have an oximeter, because I also have COPD and have to be on the ball.

I have nasal polyps and often experience something similar, especially in bed. Sometimes even wake up in a bit of a panic short of breath.
I'm taking a prescribed Cortocosteroid nasal spray and using a saline nasal spray several times a day. I have a ENT Referral.
Please I'd you have symptoms see a GP. The earlier it's seen the easier it is to do something about it.

I do this all the time and I don't suffer from anxiety. I do have mild COPD though, and I have been told that I am a shallow breather. My heart is fine and my oxygen levels ok considering the COPD, it's just something I do to compensate for shallow breathing apparently.

I DO have heart problems, but i dont think its ever happened to me.Not that i've noticed anyway.🤔

RakshaMK

I have nasal polyps and often experience something similar, especially in bed. Sometimes even wake up in a bit of a panic short of breath.
I'm taking a prescribed Cortocosteroid nasal spray and using a saline nasal spray several times a day. I have a ENT Referral.
Please I'd you have symptoms see a GP. The earlier it's seen the easier it is to do something about it.

Aha, that sort of explains things.
I have a deviated septum which means the nasal tubes are narrow. When I swim or exercise I breathe through my mouth to get enough oxygen in. Maybe that's why I get those sharp intakes or gasps of breath occasionally.

Just goes to show all our bodies are different, and our symptoms, and our reactions to them.But definitely see your g.p. about it.

I get this too - I think little of it

It's NORMAL! Every 20 or so breaths, we automatically take an extra-deep breath to make sure we are getting air exchange deep into the lungs. If we didn't do that, we would be in danger of getting lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia). If you are exercising, your ventilation rate and amount of air you are exchanging means it's not necessary. Usually, we don't pay any attention to it, but I certainly had to when I broke a couple of ribs and it hurt! Anxiety can make us pay attention to these perfectly normal features of our daily functioning. Don't worry about it, it's keeping you alive! Good luck in dealing with your anxiety.

Yes I’ve had this and yes after a few times went to GP who arranged both ECG and heart scan, both fine, please go to your GP xx

Yes, I too get this involuntary intake of breath, occasionally. I too have asthma and Bronchiectasis. The symptom hasn’t bothered me enough, to go and see a GP. I think I have white coat syndrome. But, as others have suggested, go and see your GP. At best, you will have reassurance. At worst, he will refer you for further investigation. Good luck !

is it as if you have been crying but you haven't. you get a sort of hu hu breath, like a catch up breath. I get this.