Dear Liz
Hello and welcome to the forum. It's good to meet you.
I'm not entirely sure of your problem so if I make assumptions which are incorrect please let me know. I know it can feel really good to take a large gulp of air and feel it fill your lungs. That additional oxygen feels good and helps your brain to work more efficiently. You have seen a number of specialists about this difficulty. What do they say? I understand they do not believe you have a problem and I think this may add to your frustration. It's not that we want something to be wrong with us but when we have a difficulty it is nice if we can get it solved.
I know if I get upset and start breathing very shallowly I find I must take a deep breath and then I start to feel better. It appears you have difficulty doing that. Is that right?
I was once taught to do belly breathing. At least that's what I was told it was called. It meant I had to take a very deep breath and channel it, so to speak, down to my stomach. I could see my stomach rising a little as I breathed in to it. I had to release the breath slowly and let it escape slowly. Because the air is trapped in the stomach you cannot release it quickly so do not try. Allow your breath to escape naturally at it's own pace. You can continue breathing even though there is some air in your stomach.
I suggest you find someone who can teach you breathing exercises. Unfortunately I am not sure who to suggest. Possibly a Speech Therapist who must often teach someone to breath properly in order to speak clearly. It's not a good idea to breathe deeply for more than a minute or so as you may start to hyperventilate. Why not ask your GP who would be a suitable person?
I hope that helps.
Mary
