Asthma or anxiety?

[B-Boo]

Hello everyone,

I have been having breathing problems since March when I moved house. I have had several conversations with the doctors regarding it and what to do. Basically it feels as if I am breathing through a straw all day but I am fine at night. Initially we thought I was having problems due to the new house (building dust, new furniture and carpets etc). I have tried 3 different steroid inhalers, had a course of prednisolone, a course of antibiotics, allergy tablets, air purifiers and also put onto montelukast. Nothing has made a difference in 4 months.

Next thing we thought was maybe anxiety. I have OCD and we wondered if the stress of moving/lockdown is impacting on my asthma, making my chest tight and causing me to associate my new house with a flare up because mentally I was expecting it and not because there was actually ever a problem. Prior to March my asthma was very well controlled. Has anyone else had this before?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi sorry to hear you’re struggling

Not sure if this will help but I did a post about how to differentiate asthma and anxiety a few weeks ago that you can see here; healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

Usually if the tightness/breathlessness isn’t helped by asthma meds (ventolin or upscaled preventer drugs) it indicates that the issue isn’t asthma. I’m not sure if you’re al PF checker or not, but if you are has that been affected?

It may be worth having a chat with AUK. Their nurses are great and can be reached on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5. Alternatively their WhatsApp service is 07378 606728.

Hope this helps and you feel better soon

[B-Boo in reply to EmmaF91]

Hi thank you for replying!

Ive had a read of your post and it seems like I have unknowingly created a breathing disorder. My peak flow is a normal 400 for my age/height and my reliever has made no difference to how I have felt. My oxygen levels are also normal. I may reach out the AUK - Thank you!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to B-Boo]

Glad it helped you work out what may be the issue. Esp if it is that now you’re aware of it and have ‘found’ it you may be able to stop it and feel better. As I think I said in the post both asthma and anxiety can cause BPDs, and if it’s anxiety caused the mindfulness etc you choose to do to try and improve your breathing may also help with the anxiety!

Still speak to your doc and as I said a chat with auk is always a good shout jic it is something else but hopefully you’ve found the answer 🤞🏻

[ChrissieMons]

You could try having a mini break for a few days to see if you are better away from the house. Moving house is always high stress and a little calm might help.

[Willow7733]

I have been having the same problem since March. I can’t seem to get everything under control. Some days I am having a very hard time of it. Haven’t seen anyone about it though because I am wondering if it is not anxiety. I had a huge life change in March (my father died. He was my world.) So, I am thinking it must be anxiety. Then Covid happened a week later. Work has been crazy busy. My mother is losing her mind (and I live in another city, so traveling back and forth before and after work). Just crazy times. Hope you are feeling better real soon. The weather has been crazy humid too, maybe that is what is bothering you, and affecting your asthma too?

[Pipswhips]

It could be the stress of moving house what's triggered it also do you suffer from acid reflux that might be triggering your asthma.

Do you mind if I ask you this question do you lay on one or two pillows reason why is you might be a laying down a bit low when your in bed try a third pillow see if that helps.

I find if I'm laying too flat my Asthma is worse try an extra pillow also if you either got a small radio or a mp3 player I suggest listening to some classical music or classic radio station, it will help you to relax and sends hopefully to sleep. I recommend you try the suggestion I mentioned and hope they work.

Another thing have you been shielding as well, because the stress from that and covid 19 is about might be triggering your asthma as well.

Hope my advice helps you I know it definitely works for me.

Good luck

[B-Boo]

Thanks everyone for replying! I feel a bit of relief to know I am not the only one who has had this issue. Doctors also suggested I could have had mild covid and my lungs are still recovering from it? Interesting thought!

I sleep with two pillows usually!

We did think about humidity, I bought a gadget that checks it and all appears to be normal for the summer.

I do think it's anxiety, perhaps I did have an issue with the house in march which has since gone away, yet subconsciously I am associating it now with having breathing difficulties and its almost the placebo affect. I know when I keep myself busy (cleaning, cooking) I don't even notice my breathing yet when I am a passenger in a car or watching TV its very clearly on my mind. I just struggle to break the cycle of stressing about my breathing which in turn is making my breathing worse.

Ill be interested to see whether the sertraline makes a difference.

[Jolius]

Hello, I also have the same problem as you are discribing (you can read my post on my profile).

My spyrometry was always normal but I have a big stress and anxiety and also I am big alergic. I am feeling chest tightness almost everyday even when I get my medication in the morning (fostair). I am not really sure what is the problem.since I am taking my.medication for almost 1.5y now