Deep breaths during the day

[papc]

I have been on CPAP for 4 months now. The first couple of months were good, then my AHI numbers started going up. Now they are coming down a little. But I find that I am taking deep breaths in through the nose and exhaling through the mouth in the afternoons. And not on purpose, it just happens that I am doing that, not consciously. Deep rthymic breaths mostly in the afternoons. And I don't know why. It seems to be in the same rhthym as when I am sleeping with the mask. Does anyone know what this is caused from? Is it a problem I should tell my doctor about? Thanks.

[fadedgirl]

I'm curious, too. Do you actually inhale through your nose and exhale though your mouth while asleep?

[Julie]

You say you're "unconscious" of doing it, but you're obviously quite conscious of it, whether or not you become so right after starting or just afterward. I wonder if you don't have some anxiety issues... or work related ones such as air quality, or being in the same position (seated?) for too long without moving, or ?? Anxiety can make us crazy so I'd follow up on it if it's a likely issue (becoming aware of our breathing patterns is a fairly classic one that tends to self perpetuate if you don't let yourself be distracted by something).

[papc]

Oh boy, you guys are right. I am aware of my breathing that way. And, yes, I think maybe it is anxiety? I have to think about that. I don't exhale through my mouth at night. Strictly a nose breather. But, during the day, now, like I mentioned, mostly afternoons, my breathing is deep and regular like I am on the machine. I wonder, also, if CPAP retrains the body to breath like that? Thanks All!

[Julie]

Not as far as I know (or have heard of), and it seems really unlikely considering you have your problems in the afternoon. Do you smoke? I ask because if you do, and your 02 is compromised, the later you get into the day, the more you have smoked and the harder it is to breathe.

[secret agent girl]

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[papc]

Well, I don't smoke. I don't drink. I exercise and eat fairly well. I am thin. I don't think its anxiety, after thinking about it all day. I just feel that I need more air, I think. I feel the need to take deeper breaths. I don't know if that is good or bad, or whatever. As I am typing this, I feel the need and do take deeper breaths. That's about all I know. Probably should talk to my doc about it. Thanks!

[Julie]

I agree - you should see your MD because it sounds like you're just not getting enough 02 into your system and Cpap is unlikely to have much to do with it. Don't wait

[JohnBFisher]

I have been on CPAP for 4 months now. The first couple of months were good, then my AHI numbers started going up. Now they are coming down a little. But I find that I am taking deep breaths in through the nose and exhaling through the mouth in the afternoons. And not on purpose, it just happens that I am doing that, not consciously. Deep rthymic breaths mostly in the afternoons. And I don't know why. It seems to be in the same rhthym as when I am sleeping with the mask. Does anyone know what this is caused from? Is it a problem I should tell my doctor about? Thanks.

Hmmm... I agree you should probably check with a doctor. Here's why I think this. Exhaling through the mouth is one method to "blow off" more CO2 than you would through your nose. If you seem to consistently do this during the afternoon, it could mean that you have more of a build up of CO2 in the afternoons. Perhaps adding a walk after lunch would help you stimulate your breathing to minimize the CO2 buildup. But I would also definitely check with your doctor about it. Your doctor might want to check your Arterial Blood Gasses (ABGs) to see if you have a higher than normal CO2 level in your blood.

Here's an article about nose breathing (which mentions the CO2 buildup and how mouth breathing decreases CO2 rapidly):

http://www.breathing.com/articles/nose-breathing.htm

[Julie]

I'm a little more concerned about a more 'immediate' problem than C02. If he really does have a lack of adequate oxygen that could signify cardiac trouble and I wouldn't wait for ABG's.

[fadedgirl]

papc: Did you go to the doctor? Please let us know what happened with you.

[sleepywolverine]

I notice myself taking different breaths now too. Nothing bothersome, but I may mention it to the doc the next time I'm in.

[papc]

Hi guys, thanks for all your responses. It is Sunday afternoon and I am not breathing in that manner. I rested all weekend, exercised and generally took it easy. Which leads me to believe it is stress related. Just guessing. If it continues for another week then I will call the doctor up. I think I am just stressed out with all this CPAP stuff, trying to get my AHI numbers down, and being focused on sleep. I am kinda getting tired of my focus on this condition I have. I know it won't ever dissapear, though maybe in the future new therapies will emerge. But I actually would just like to forget it all and just plug in the machine, set it and forget it. If you know what I mean. I truly appreciate all your help. Will keep you posted.

[MoneyGal]

For what it's worth, there are lots of disciplines and practices that encourage deep diaphragm breathing like what you are describing. The martial art I practice includes daily breath meditation, as do many yoga practices. And when I was in a very, very active choir (years ago), we spent time every day breathing deeply.

I wouldn't necessarily conclude this is evidence of any problem (but of course, do what you feel is right!). It may just be your body saying, "wow - getting flooded with oxygen is great...I'm going to make sure this happens regularly!"

[papc]

well, I talked to my sleep doc and the nurse called me back and said they can find no reason for the deep breathing. They said they were "stymied" and had no explanation, nothing in my health history. Period. They suggestion practicing breathing exercises and thought maybe its anxiety. Well, here is what happened next, for whatever its worth. I had been terribly bloated and constipated. I know it's not pretty. Well, I finally got my self relieved and then the deep breathing greatly reduced. Then I had it out with my boss. Something he said to me I found very offensive and told him what I thought. Then the deep breathing got even less. Now, just a few days later, I am much better not breathing so deeply during the day and very little need for taking those drinks of air. So I think I must have developed a habit from stress, or whatever, of taking in these deep breaths. I don't know what else it could be. And I let some of that stress out and now I feel a little more normal. That's the story and I'm stickin' to it! Any and all comments, suggestions, and thoughts are welcome.