Air hunger, or dyspnea, is a sensation of struggling to breathe that can stem from a variety of causes.
While it’s often a benign symptom linked to anxiety or stress, it may also signal a more serious condition, such as a pulmonary embolism, which is a potentially life-threatening blood clot in the lungs.
Let’s explore the most common causes of air hunger and the most effective ways to relieve it.
What is air hunger?
Air hunger, clinically known as dyspnea, is the unsettling sensation of not being able to get enough air. It often feels like shortness of breath or gasping, and can range from mild to severe.
Dyspnea can be triggered by a wide range of factors. Acute dyspnea develops suddenly and may indicate a medical emergency, while chronic dyspnea persists over time and often points to an underlying health condition.
Exposure to common irritants such as environmental pollutants, smoke, or allergens can intensify the feeling and make breathing discomfort worse.
Causes of air hunger
Research published in StatPearls highlights that dyspnea is more prevalent than commonly recognized and is associated with a broad spectrum of underlying causes.1
The authors summarize, “It is a common symptom impacting millions of people and maybe the primary manifestation of respiratory, cardiac, neuromuscular, psychogenic, systemic illness, or a combination of these.”
Some of the most common causes of air hunger include:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Anxiety
- Allergies
- Anemia
- Congested gallbladder
- Pulmonary embolism
- Congestive heart failure
- Respiratory failure
Another lesser-known cause of air hunger involves disruptions in the body’s pH balance. Conditions such as acidosis or alkalosis can interfere with normal breathing patterns and trigger the sensation of air hunger.
In acidosis, air hunger may occur alongside symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, tremors, drowsiness, and coughing.
Alkalosis is often linked to elevated cortisol levels resulting from chronic stress, but it can also be caused by a high-carbohydrate diet or a deficiency in potassium.
Common symptoms of alkalosis include lightheadedness, muscle twitching, numbness or tingling sensations, nausea, confusion, irritability, and an irregular heartbeat.
Additionally, an excess of calcium in the bloodstream, often due to excessive supplemental intake, can increase your pH level, contributing to the development of alkalosis.
Poor metabolic health can also play a role. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance are often associated with impaired cellular respiration and pH imbalances.
Watch the video below to learn more about the causes of air hunger.
Remedy for pH-related air hunger
“Shortness of breath alone isn’t enough to determine whether you’re experiencing acidosis or alkalosis,” explains Dr. Berg. “It’s essential to consider other symptoms accompanying air hunger to make an accurate assessment.”
If your air hunger is linked to acidosis, increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium, and potassium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and organic dairy, may help alleviate symptoms.
Additionally, boosting vitamin B1 intake through foods like pork, sunflower seeds, spinach, and macadamia nuts can support cellular respiration and reduce air hunger linked to lactic acidosis.
On the other hand, if alkalosis is the cause, supporting digestion and stomach acid production can be beneficial.
Incorporating foods that naturally promote stomach acidity, such as fermented vegetables, and taking diluted apple cider vinegar before meals can help promote pH balance and optimal stomach acidity.
Because low stomach acid and digestive issues such as bloating often contribute to alkalosis, these dietary adjustments may relieve air hunger symptoms.
Evidence published in American Family Physician underscores that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a frequent contributor to dyspnea, and effectively managing the underlying condition can significantly alleviate breathing difficulties.2
Other air hunger solutions
Because air hunger can stem from a wide range of root causes, ranging from anxiety to chronic lung conditions, it’s essential to identify and address the specific trigger to find lasting relief.
Here are three potential air hunger solutions.
1. Anxiety-related air hunger
People with anxiety often experience irregular breathing patterns and are at increased risk of developing air hunger.
A study published in Respiratory Medicine found that individuals with anxiety are significantly more likely to experience dyspnea, even in the absence of any measurable lung dysfunction or respiratory disease.3
If you suspect that anxiety is behind your sensation of air hunger, try calming your breath by slowing it down.
Breathe in gently for 4 to 5 seconds, then exhale slowly for the same count. This simple technique can help regulate your breathing and diminish air hunger.
2. Asthma and pneumonia
If asthma is contributing to chronic dyspnea, increasing your vitamin D levels through natural sources may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.
To support healthy vitamin D production, aim for moderate sun exposure of 10 to 20 minutes a day on bare skin, depending on your skin tone and the time of year.
You can also include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, such as salmon, sardines, and egg yolks, to promote adequate levels and help relieve dyspnea.
For pneumonia-related breathing difficulties, zinc-rich foods can help strengthen the immune system and support recovery, which may ease breathing. Some of the best options include shellfish like oysters and crab, beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds.
3. COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung condition commonly marked by persistent shortness of breath. If unmanaged, it can progress to serious complications, including pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the lungs.
A diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can play a key role in supporting lung health and slowing disease progression.
Foods high in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.
For vitamin E, focus on sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, and avocado, which may help protect lung tissue and reduce the risk of further lung complications such as interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.
When to see a doctor
Sudden or severe episodes of air hunger, known as acute dyspnea, should always be treated as a medical emergency. If you’re struggling to breathe, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention.
Persistent or unexplained shortness of breath can be a symptom of a range of serious health issues, including lung disease, heart failure, liver or kidney dysfunction, and COPD.
In particular, difficulty breathing combined with signs of acidosis may point to COPD or another chronic respiratory condition.
Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to properly diagnose and manage any potential underlying cause of air hunger.
Key takeaways
Air hunger, or dyspnea, is a common symptom linked to a variety of physical and emotional causes, from anxiety and digestive imbalances to serious respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Identifying the root cause is essential for effective relief, whether through dietary adjustments, stress management, breathing techniques, or medical treatment.
FAQ
1. What is air hunger (dyspnea)?
Air hunger refers to the uncomfortable sensation of not getting enough air and is often experienced as shortness of breath or labored breathing.
Rather than being a condition on its own, it’s usually a symptom of an underlying issue that may range from anxiety to respiratory or metabolic disorders.
2. What is air hunger a symptom of?
Air hunger can be caused by anxiety, heart problems, liver problems, respiratory conditions, asthma, pneumonia, or pH-related issues. If you experience air hunger, especially severe breathlessness, seek medical care immediately.
3. What does anxiety air hunger feel like?
Anxiety-related air hunger creates the unsettling feeling that you can’t get enough air, even when your lungs are functioning normally.
While not caused by a physical issue in the lungs, this type of breathlessness can often be eased through calm, controlled breathing and effective stress management techniques.
4. How do you relieve air hunger?
To relieve air hunger, focus on slow, deep, and controlled breathing to help calm your respiratory system and reduce the sensation of breathlessness.
Incorporating stress management, following a balanced and nutrient-dense diet, and avoiding irritants can also promote optimal lung function and support easier breathing.
5. Is air hunger painful?
Air hunger itself is usually not painful. However, chest pain with air hunger may signal serious conditions such as lung disease or heart failure and requires urgent care.
6. Is air hunger the same as shortness of breath?
Air hunger is a specific type of shortness of breath characterized by the intense feeling of not getting enough air, while shortness of breath is a broader term that includes any difficulty or discomfort in breathing.
7. How does pH cause air hunger?
Imbalances in the body’s pH, such as acidosis or alkalosis, can disrupt normal breathing by affecting how the body regulates carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, leading to the sensation of air hunger.
