Breathlessness

Dear all,

I hope you’re having a good weekend!

Just out of curiosity...I know that anxiety causes shallow breathing and hyperventilation. The question is...how do you know whether your breathlessness is caused by anxiety or some other illness? I’d appreciate if you share yours experiences and thoughts on this. Thank you xx

[askell6405]

I am wondering the same thing. I have having serious issues with my breathing for the past 2 months. It's all I think about. Wondering if I have some lung disease or something. I am sure it is my anxiety though. Our minds can play awful tricks on us. We have to keep distracting ourselves and accepting what our bodies are doing. Very uncomfortable, but I believe that's how it will begin to subside. If symptoms start to subside when distracted, then I am sure it is pure anxiety.

[Hidden in reply to askell6405]

Thank you for your reply! I’m sure my breathlessness is caused by anxiety as well...but there’s always that gremlin in my head which starts questioning my beliefs 😂. Good luck to us I guess xx

[askell6405 in reply to Hidden]

Oh I hear ya. I keep thinking I need to go get some tests run. Trying to convince myself I don't need to do that. But it is impossible at times.

[Hidden in reply to askell6405]

Oh this is a constant struggle isn’t? I’ve been a lot better lately with not seeking reassurance. However, I also believe that knowledge is important. Sometimes it helps when you know that physically you’re well before you start working on your anxiety.

[lavender1956 in reply to askell6405]

I have been SOB almost 2 weeks now - I do have some COPD but I think a lot may be anxiety - went to the ER Monday - they did several tests - everything looked ok. Went to my doctor this week - I am on an inhaler and am trying Lexapro - also have Ativan as needed - if I don't get any better will be going to pulmonary doc for this......I get so tired of SOB and it seems to be on my mind constantly!

[askell6405 in reply to lavender1956]

I agree. Went to a pulmonologist last week. He wants to do a ct scan of lungs, a methocholine challenge which freaks me out, and acid reflux meds. I truly believe it is anxiety and my mind is playing tricks on me convincing me it's something else and dangerous.

[Hidden in reply to askell6405]

For me it’s a vicious circle of anxiety. I want to go and get tested but once I am there I get very anxious. And then I’m anxious waiting for the results. And when the results are normal I’m anxious about it as wondering whether it’s true or not. And when the results are not normal then I am anxious about it. 😂

[Hidden in reply to lavender1956]

Thank you for your reply. Sorry what is SOB?

[lavender1956 in reply to Hidden]

Short of Breath