JJ, The ER is an important place to be for newbies. They don't have treatment, yet, and might not know how severe breathing has become. Better safe than passed out on the floor, unable to breathe.

I don't do respirations, either. But I do have an oximeter, which helps me to know what my normal is and when it's worse. I can also just tell when breathing, swallowing, or moving are becoming worse.

A peak flow meter could also help gauge how you're doing, but it would only show how you're doing at breathing air out, not in.

Shortness of breath can be short-lived, continue for an hour, a few hours, etc. When poor breathing is persistent, and is getting worse over time, that's when you need help. In other words, when it's not improving, it's best to seek out help.

Sure that help can be in the form of a call to a PCP, a neuro (don't recommend that for breathing, but do inform them), a pulmonologist, or urgent care, but when things are getting worse without improvement, the ER is best.

You might also want to be evaluated for sleep apnea. They have machines whereby you can do that at home, instead of being near doctor or hospitals.

I hope you'll be evaluated soon!

Annie