could someone describe how shortness of breath feels?

Right now I am floating somewhere between being diagnosed with Ibs or possibly heart disease. Currently taking all the appropriate tests for both options. When I have any symptoms they are usually after eating a large meal of what is probably not the wisest food choices. I don't know if I have shortness of breath but I do have trouble breathing. Not noticable enough to anyone else but me. Should shortness of breath feel like you would if you just ran a fast race and are breathing rapidly or is it an internal feeling like you can't take a deep breath. I usually attribute it to being bloated and gassy and sit down with a cup of fennel tea. After about 30 minutes I start to return to normal but if I start to worry about the possibility of having a heart attack it can escalate into an anxiety attack. This difficulty breathing is usually accompanied by some form of tightness in my chest and in between my shoulder blades and noticable bloating in my stomach. Belching or a bm usually help the whole situation. I don't think the doctor is taking me very seriously because I am only 43.

Hi lcr, I have many problems with shortness of breath.  Often my feeling is like wearing a girdle around my chest and throat, something very tight compressing me or like someone sitting on my chest.  If I get up and move around and do a lot of activity, since my blood flow is knocked off whack due to blood pressure problems, I can get where I am gasping for air like I have just ran for 5 miles just going across the room.  This is a feeling like sharp pain in my chest and throat.  Usually when this happens I have to find the nearest place to sit down or I will end up face first on the floor...lol. 

 you can also feel that way because of a hernia, and gerd, it is sometimes hard to know the difference.  juliet, i posted on a nother post by musicaman 50, go there and please respond  thanks.

Hmmm, I think you really need to speak to your physician about this.  My chest pressure sometimes is very strong like today and other times it is barely there...so it varies.  But dont assume it is gas, if your having this problem on a regular basis it needs to be checked out.