HomeAnswersInternal Medicineabnormal breath soundsI am having difficulty taking deep breaths. Please help.

I am unable to breathe deeply, and doing so causes a cracking sound. Why?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 23, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 28 year old female. I weigh 55 kg, and my height is 168 cm. I have been having difficulty taking a deep breath for over a year now. I got it suddenly one day while riding my bike. It feels like my breath is not completed or like I am missing some air. Some days it does not occur at all, but it occurs most days. Sometimes, when I take a deep breath, I hear a cracking sound at my back. My physician said that my lungs and heart are fine. He stated that it might be stress. However, I often have it when I am not stressed, although stress usually makes it worse. Stretching my back seems to help. Could it be a muscle pull? What could I do about it?

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • I am thinking it might be coming from your lungs, or it could be anemia.
  • Have you been a smoker?
  • Do you have a history of childhood asthma?
  • Have you had any breathing test or blood work done recently?

Revert with more information to an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your quick response. I have been a smoker for 10 years. I smoke 10 to 15 cigarettes a day. I never had asthma. I have not had a breathing test. I have had blood work recently, but there was nothing wrong there.

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • I suggest you go down on the number of cigarettes.
  • Do deep breathing exercises.
  • Also, please get a spirometry test, which will allow me to have an idea of the lung capacity and lung volumes.
  • Quitting smoking is ideal.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa
Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy