Is it the virus or a panic attack?

[Drummer420]

Hi everyone.

Last week I began to feel a bit tight chested which can happen to me at this time of year when the seasons are starting to switch. I also do a dusty job and I'm used to dealing with my asthma this way. I called the doctors as usually I'd go to hospital where they'd put me on a nebuliser and give me steroids. The doctor issued me with steroids and antibiotics. I've reached the end of my course today and I don't feel any better.

Last night was horrible and I felt like I was having a panic attack. Hot flushes and sweaty palms. Couldn't sleep at all but my breathing was not too bad. I called the doctor this morning and she thinks I have covid-19. I don't know for sure but I feel like I start panicking and then that makes me think I've got the virus which then makes me feel rough. I just wondered if anyone had experienced this? I asked if I could get tested but you only get tested if you go to hospital. I don't particularly want to go into a covid ward when I may not have the virus?!?!

I will not go to hospital unless it's absolutely necessary as the doc has already told me that if I need to call an ambulance I have to state I'm a covid patient, even though I'm not tested for it?

Sorry if any of this is rushed etc. First time on here. Many thanks.

[CRP386]

It is a difficult time, as the stress and anxiety could cause some of the symptoms you describe. How have you been today? Have you noticed any further deterioration?

Did you finish your steroid course today? Did your GP give you any advice on how to manage your continuing symptoms or offer to extend your course of steroids if you dont feel you are improving? Do you have any of the other symptoms of Covid such as the high temperature, loss of taste/smell or continuous cough? Are you taking plenty of fluids, paracetamol and resting? Also, do you monitor your peak flow - any changes there?

Dust can cause a chest to become tight as you mention above, as can stress. A couple of weeks ago, I experienced some unusual viral symptoms and also a big change in my peak flow, I was sick with worry and had no idea if I was developing Covid. The GP identified crackles in the base of my lungs and I'd also coughed up some pretty funky sputum. All of this was quite frightening, but all I could do was rest, monitor my symptoms and alert a healthcare professional if there was further deterioration.

[Poobah]

I'm so sorry you're feeling poorly. It's a worrying time.

The classic symptoms of Covid-19 are a continuous cough and temperature which proceeds any breathlessness. You don't mention any symptoms prior to your tight chest.

This tree pollen season has started and is the highest it's been since records began. Alot of people have posted in the last couple of weeks that their asthma has reacted to this. This is something to consider and see if you can take antihistamines.

As for Covid-19 you wouldn't get a test unless you had to be admitted to hospital for treatment of the virus. The advice is to stay home and manage your symptoms with rest, fluids, food and paracetamol for the fever. Obviously, it's easier if you have a thermometer to see if you have a raised temperature.

As an asthmatic you should talk to your doctor about increasing your day to day medications to address any flare up. You can monitor your peak flow daily to ensure that is not dipping too far and to know when to seek medical help if necessary, according to your asthma plan. If you have an oximeter you can also check your oxygen levels (it's the little digital clip that you pop on the end of your index finger).

I have a couple of relatives who are tackling the symptoms of Covid-19 at home, one who is especially vulnerable. Both had the cough and fever before the breathlessness started which they found to be the symptom that made them panic. They have managed so far in spite of very uncomfortable symptoms and feeling totally exhausted. Panic was definitely their first reaction to the breathlessness but by day three they were OK as they felt even though the symptoms were horrible, they weren't getting any worse.

Hope this helps.

[ChrissieMons]

Oh dear! You are in a muddle, aren't you? Let us assume for the moment this is panic - hardly surprising in this lockdown. Find something to calm you down - there are podcasts and online stuff you lay quietly and listen to and maybe that will help you slow down a bit. If it does: hooray! If not, you have to decide what to do, based on how lousy you feel. Nobody wants you in hospital if it can be avoided, so only go if you're convinced you realy need to.

[Hidden]

You're not alone, my anxiety triggers seem to involve an ache in my sternum and it's been back the last day or so.

I had a bad dream last night and awoke to find myself sweating on my forehead and chest, that sent my anxiety into overdrive giving I thought it might be the onset of symptoms, but I got back to sleep and awoke this morning ok.

[StanChad]

I think you need to test your temperature. Hopefully this will differentiate between Asthma and Covid-19. If a high temperature is causing the hot flushes then it’s not the Asthma. From what I understand the paramedics are dealing with people at home if they can and they don’t think they have the virus. I know of a couple of people that would have normally been taken in but weren’t as they didn’t have Covid.

[Wintersbite]

Do you have some type of paper bag? Stupid question I know but it will help as if its covid you won't feel better for breathing into a paper bag but if it's panic attacks the paper bag Will be a friend. I had a husband who sufferd with panic attacks and I have asthma so I know this works I've had to calm myself done during an asthma attack but I had to use the paper bag to help my husband it's just breath into the bag and listen to the bag become a more regular noise and feeling the in and out at the same time seems to be the help another thing I used to tell my husband was think about the waves coming in and out to the shoreline as that's another thing that helps relax and calm if either of these help you inform your GP it's panic attacks and you need something to help you stay relaxed . Good luck to you

[Drummer420]

Thanks for all your messages!! I'm feeling alot better today. Night times seem to be the worst. My asthma doesn't seem to have improve yet but I'm not getting the hot flushes anymore which is more frightening to me. I can cope with my asthma being bad as I know how to deal with it. I've been listening to sleepio and headspace at night to help with my sleep and getting me to calm down. I feel alot better today and hopefully this will get better. Thankyou all again!