Anxiety and Stress Forum - breathing difficulty

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Q: breathing difficulty

asked by: steph2021 on May 8th, 2008

New User

I am a 18 year old female who has never really delt with anxiety before. I am not particularly stressed about anything and I don't believe I have any of the "typical" symptoms of anxiety. However for the past MONTH I have constantly not been able to breathe. I feel a tightness in my chest and feel like I can't catch a deep breath. When I finally do, it immediatley begins to feel like I need another deep breath because I constantly feel out of air. Sometimes sitting up can help, and when I lay down the symptoms are the worst. Has anyone experienced this? I have tried albuterol and other asthma and allergy medications and none seem to work. The doctor says my breathing sounds fine and doesn't offer much explination. I have begun to think it is anxiety although at the moment the only thing I am anxious about is my breathing. Could I have anxiety and no know about it? If you think this is the case, what would you recommend. I desperately want to get rid of this. It keeps me awake at night and I feel like I never have any relief. Thanks!

Replies(2)

CarolDiane

replied on May 11th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Hi Steph,
I think you have answered you own question hon. Yes, an anxiety attack can bring on a change in breathing patterns and visa versa. Your probably already to the point that you worry about your breathing and it in itself brings on a panic attack which makes the breathing even worsen. IMHO, the best thing to do is to be clear cut with your doctor and tell him/her that you think you have an anxiety disorder and give the sytoms and reason why you feel that you might. You might just need a little relaxer or non-narcotic sleeping pill. I would surly ask though.

CD

opeth

replied on May 14th, 2008

New User

Steph: I know what you mean. My biggest difficulty was breathing too. However, in my case it felt like I was being choked. Like my airway was being cut off somehow. I know now that it was all in my head. A false symptom brought on by my anxiety and panic disorder. Like CarolDiane said, you begin to anticipate your breathing difficulty and that makes it snowball even worse. Once you recognize it for what it is - a false alarm - you can begin to focus your thoughts elsewhere and get through it OK.

Users who thank opeth for this post: CarolDiane

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