A member asked:

Blood work fine, echo came back normal ekg normal chest xray normal. bp 93/63 hr 66.i still feel like i can't get enough o2...

10 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Can you explain?: If you feel breathless, perhaps it's anxiety, perhaps a narrowing in a large airway, or any of a variety of other items. I'd be most interested in knowing whether you can keep in up athletics with your peers. That's the REAL test of an adequate heart and lungs. If you can, then the sensation you describe is probably "nerves". Otherwise -- continue the workup.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Milton Alvis, jr answered

Specializes in Preventive Medicine

Shortness of breath: NOT due to lack of oxygen. Brain stem drive to ↑ breathing rate driven by pH, CO2 + anxiety/fears anticipating need to move. ↑es in CO2 drives ↑ed respiratory rate. Rate goes down with ↓ed CO2 production; brain nearly totally ignores O2, reason giving people O2 does not alter their depth/rate of breathing. Look this up. If you exercise competitively with others, your heart & lungs are OK.

Answered 11/26/2014

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Dr. Pamela Svendsen answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Good news!: That is all very reassuring. Sometimes when you feel like you can't get a full breath, it can be a sign of anxiety. Speak with your doctor about any stress or anxiety issues you may have.

Answered 9/29/2016

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