Anxiety

[Hannah_1992]

Hi all have been suffering with anxiety for months now and have seem to have got most of my symptoms under control except one and was hoping other people might be able to help if they suffer with a similar thing. I had what felt like a lot of pressure on my chest in the middle sometimes under my breast sometimes up near my throat I've since realised that it is most probably gas after researching and finding out that anxiety can cause gas. The feeling makes me feel really anxious as it feels like I'm short of breath. There's absolutely no pain at all just what feels like a big bubble of air in my chest. Does anyone else suffer with this? If so what helps? Thank you in advance x

[azmarktb]

Yes I do get that, I used to get HORRIBLE GERD from coffee. I would get severe jaw pain and chest tightness--like you said a bubble in my chest. Now that I cut way back on coffee, the GERD went away.

[Lauriem4]

Yes I get this I think when we are anxious it can stop your digestive system working properly which causes the gas x

[Hannah_1992]

Thank you guys that puts my mind at ease a bit I've just heard that I've got a job so I hope this anxiety doesn't stop me! I'm determined not to let it x

[Hannah_1992]

Also just got some original Andrews salts that are meant to be good for acid hopefully that helps x

[Kim00712]

I’m in the US and we have medication that is over the counter ( non prescription) for daily treatment of reflux. You take it daily for two weeks and it quiets the symptoms down for awhile. It’s called Prilosec.

Also, be careful of your diet. Lower the fat, the acid and the processed foods. You’ll notice and amazing difference. I’ve also started having one carbonated water in the afternoon and it is a nice change from water all day.

Hope some of this advice helps. Just know that it’s not a heart attack, just stomach acid!

[Hope83]

I struggled with this regularly and did think that it was acid for a while. I’ve had every test under the sun for for it and everything came back clear. Then, something a CBT therapist said to me made everything click. He said that when you are generally anxious you can hold your body in a tense way, with muscles everywhere being tense without you really even noticing. It can become a habit. He also said that it is common for people with anxiety breath in a shallow way, again without noticing which can play havoc with your muscles around your ribs and chest. I started yoga, practicing breathing techniques and gentle daily stretches of my neck/chest and it has eased up so much. I still get it sometimes but the anxiety around it is lessening because I know what it is now; for me it’s muscular. Wishing you lots of luck in feeling better. X

[Hannah_1992 in reply to Hope83]

Thank you that makes so much sense I'll try those things thank you. I hope you feel better too x