Is it normal for a person to hold his breath and have to notice it

22% Normal
2 Comments

I put this in health because i'm a little concerned about this little thing I seem to realize I have been doing since I have been on opioids for pain for three years now. Now I don't remember doing this before being on the pain meds so here goes. Is It Normal for a person that has smoked literally almost his whole life (since 8yo) and had a double bypass at thirty to hold his breath all the time and I guess not realize it? I'm forty one btw. But I say it that way because I have to think and say hey dumbass you need to start breathing again. You would think with the smoking all most all my life (Bad Lungs) and that fact I have heart troubles that i would be normal at breathing and not holding it? Oh and as far as the pain meds I was in a car accident at 26 and pretty much died. (massive head injuries). Almost losing my left leg from the knee down (13 surgeries). I will stop there because my medical history keeps going and going. From the knee and the heart.

Voting Results
22% Normal
Based on 23 votes (5 yes)
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Comments ( 2 )
  • jeebley
    10 years ago

    I'd say it's definitely the opiates just suppressing your system. You sort of catch yourself not really breathing... And especially if you're a bit of a shallow breather anyway.
    It can't be the healthiest thing but I'm not really sure... I mean, as long as you wake up every morning.

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  • Darkoil
    10 years ago

    Respiring is controlled by your autonomic nervous system and should not need conscious input to occur. Apnea can be caused by opiates so you have your answer right there, your doctor should have explained this could be a possible side effect and fyi, it can be fatal.

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