Saxon, 

Sorry you find yourself here. I hope you're getting on ok. 
 

Saxon, I suffer with what you describe. If there is no other explanation for this, it might be that you are experiencing the same as I. 

For years and years. Since very early 20s. My GP has always assigned this shortness of breath feeling, being unable to take a full/satisfying breath (and only being able to catch my breath by yawning) to....anxiety. 
 

I can't say I am a particularly anxious person, but I have always worked in a very demanding/fast paced legal environment which has caused regular/daily bouts of work stress....that's quite normal...I mean we all get it...part of the job. Perhaps it is down to that...a build up of it. 

Have a google of 'air hunger anxiety'....you'll likely find loads of us! 
 

I've had asthma tests (passed with flying colours), have kept diaries and when I suffer a flare-up of this, my oxygen levels are always 100% (the GP has checked them many times). 

What helps me greatly is: 

Cold air being directed on my face 

Not taking massive, compensatory breaths when I feel breathless  

Just forgetting about it. Reminding myself it's just a symptom of stress (or 'anxiety', as my GP has stated previously) and getting on with my day (I can go a whole day at work without noticing it...and as soon as I've finished work and not being challenged mentally, I'm back to feeling breathless again). 

Keeping my weight down...if I'm heavier, this does cause more/longer flare-ups. 

Some of us, as mentioned above - can't get a satisfying breath unless we yawn. Take care around that....there are many forums on people with air hunger who have developed an excessive yawning habit alongside. 

It does feel a great deal worse at night - yes. Sleeping next to an open window may assist (for the feeling of air on the face). Also giving yourself some reassurance (I.E "I know this is anxiety...I'm getting all the air I need right now, even though it may not feel like it), xxx  

Hi Citygirl111,

   Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such a kind and thoughtful reply to my post. You describe what I experience very accurately. I will take on board your practical and supportive advice.

   I'm fairly certain that my breathing issues are down to a silent build up of anxiety, from various causes over a number of years, which may have been triggered by a particular recent scary event concerning my cancer treatment, as well as the fact that I am having to learn to live with this life threatening disease. I'm not normally someone to become over anxious about things but I guess that we all have our tipping points where these hidden/suppressed feelings begin to manifest themselves on a physical level.

   One solution I've been trying out - with the clearance of my GP - is to use an antihistamine called doxylamine succinate. It's readily available over the counter or via the internet as a sleeping aid. I find this settles me down at night allowing me to become drowsy enough for the breathing problem not to keep me awake. I can usually get a good few hours sleep using this - sometimes with a couple of paracetamol.

   Having this opportunity to care and share with other cancer sufferers is in itself a great aid to helping relieve some of the stresses surrounding cancer.

   Again, thank you so much for your concern and understanding.

   My very best to you, Saxon.