Trouble breathing

[Kbt06]

I can’t breathe... I literally struggle to get a deep breath. Could this be anxiety? This has been going on for at least week. I’m so scared.

[Agora1]

Hi Kbt06

Anxiety can very well give us that feeling like we can't take a deep breath. I've had it

many times myself over the years. When we get so high strung, our muscles tense up

like the strings on a violin ready to pop. Our stomach muscles tense up, our diaphragm

and before long we start shallow breathing/hyperventilating causing us to not get

enough air in our lungs. But know that it is not coming from a lung issue but an anxiety one.

Now a days, everyone is consumed with the thought about Covid so each and every symptom that has been listed in the news is enough to make us panic and think that we

may be sick. Always check with your doctor, if you have no other symptoms along with

the breathing issue, then you can pretty much know that it's coming from Health Anxiety.

Do not force that one deep hard breath....just try slowing down your breathing and bringing

down your shoulders to help you get into a more relaxed position. Stand tall, sit tall allowing

the diaphragm to have more room to take that breath. Breathe in slowly...when the muscles are relaxed they will open and you will feel that well deserved breath that you've

wanted. xx

[Kbt06 in reply to Agora1]

I went to the doctor today and I’m at the hospital now. Thank you so much for being so nice. With anxiety breathing issues, how long is it possible to last? It just worries me that I’ve been having trouble for at least a week. And of course I’m concerned about covid but I have no other systems and the docs said my lungs are clear and no fever.

[Agora1 in reply to Kbt06]

Kbt06, I am glad that you followed through with your doctor. After all, he is the

professional. It is difficult sometimes because of our anxiety to know what may

be causing symptoms we experience. You did the wise thing. I hope you continue

to stay well physically. xx

[Hidden in reply to Kbt06]

Hey i’ve been experiencing the same thing and i’m looking for reassurance or some info. When you have the shortness of breath do you have it even without feelings of anxiety?

[Virglynn in reply to Hidden]

I had shortness of breath for about a week than it went away. It scared me so i called my Dr and she said that working in my mask most of the day can cause this. I quit working in the mask but it didn't go away. I sat down and took a Xanex and it went away. That told me it was anxiety causing it. Do some relaxation breathing and if you can. It has been a month and it has not returned

[Hidden in reply to Virglynn]

Thanks so much for the reply. It’s been non stop for me even the times where I am relaxed it’s still there and that’s what’s scaring me most. worst when laying down but i’ll have to get some sleep soon it’s 4 am. Haven’t slept yet! Also when i’m doing things like walking around it makes it worse. I’m not overweight or anything though. I pray that this is anxiety and nothing serious. Just scared, more I think about it the worse I feel gonna try a xanax tomorrow. But when you had the shortness of breath was it all day!? I can’t get a break

[Virglynn in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it was all day from the time I woke up until bed. I didn't sleep well either. I have an anxiety disorder anyway so I tend to stress over every little thing when it comes to my health. I might not have been the xanex that helped but that's when it stopped. I started to feel it again the next day and I took a half of a xanex and it went away again. It's been gone for 3 weeks now. I called my doctor though and you should to. If you take a deep breath does it feel like you're really getting a deep breath? Mine did not. I'm glad it went away. I am a former smoker and my dr said she will check me for COPD. I went so far as to order a finger pulse oximeter off of amazon so I could make sure my oxygen level was normal. Best $10 I ever spent. Made me feel more reassured that I was breathing ok.

[Hidden in reply to Virglynn]

I’m so happy i’m not the only one. Thanks for telling me this. I am gonna take a xanax today then if it’s no better then i’ll be getting looked at. I will look into the amazon buy!

[Virglynn in reply to Hidden]

how are you feeling today?

[Hidden in reply to Virglynn]

Hey thanks for asking! I feel a lot better since the xanax is helping me not focus so much on the trouble breathing. It’s still there a little bit but I still want to go and get checked just to be sure it’s nothing serious! How are you doing??