The past 3 weeks I have been in and out of hospital with palpitations and racing heart episodes im currently wearing a 48 hour ecg and been put on a low dose of bisoprolol (which doesn't seem to be doing much) my question is has anyone ever experienced anything like this and it's just ended up being panic attacks? All my bloods were fine I've been refered to cardiology but something in the back of my mind is wondering if anxiety could cause physical problems like this? I've had heart palpitations,racing heart, dry mouth ,dizziness I've even woken up in the night heart racing and sweating ! Its been a horrible few weeks feel like I'm just sat waiting for it to happen again! X
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Hannahpanda27
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Anxiety at all levels can absolutely feel and present similarly to asthma. A lot of people have asthma that's uncontrolled that is actually other things (such as anxiety or panic attacks) and many people do have both asthma and anxiety, which is then doubly hard to unpick. In some people anxiety issues can then also trigger asthma issues.
I really feel for you, and I am no expert, but I have experienced all of those symptoms and ended up calling 111 as i really believed I was having either a stroke or a heart attack! It of course ended up as neither, and following a visit from an ambulance crew at the request of 111 it was diagnosed as a classic anxiety attack. Anxiety is real, and is a direct result of emotional stress. Emotional stress does not have to be linked to one specific reason, but can manifest from multiple reasons. Over thinking, difficult experiences, trauma and stress. The body simply speaks what the mind is experiencing, so think about your thoughts and emotions to identify if anything there is manifesting as these panic attacks. Meditation and relaxation techniques can really improve anxiety states and reduce some of the symptoms you mention. Hope things improve for you soon.
Some asthmatics don't do well on beta blockers, my asthma consultant was not pleased with the prescribing doctor when I was given them. And having been on Fostair (not sure if you're still on it), as you've presented with heart palpitations etc it may be prudent to explain to the doctor that your potassium levels may have been affected by the Fostair. They can test your levels and at least discount that as the underlying cause of your symptoms.
I had very low potassium levels a few years back and it was horrible. I was in hospital at the time and I was lucky that the doctor was clued up about inhaler side effects ( I hadn't read a patient leaflet in years). I was put on potassium tablets (vile) but after a while they did the trick and my health improved enough for me to have the surgery I needed (something totally unrelated but I thought all the symptoms were related, but they weren't).
It could be a panic or an anxiety attack, but I'm glad to hear that they are looking at other causes in order to rule them out first. Both panic and anxiety are powerful things and can really affect our health in unexpected, frightening ways. This is a really good article about the difference between the two and the options for treatment and ways to cope. healthline.com/health/panic...
Hello thanks for reply not on the fostair anymore only took it for a few days the doctor didn't want me on propanol but the hospital said the bisoprolol should be okay!! Struggling massively with digestive issues too acid trapped wind bloating wondering now if its all linked xx
As my nurse pal would say, "you are in a pickle". I think when we're busy we ignore various symptoms building up until we get very ill. Things can creep up on us without our realising the body is saying that something's not right.
I've sorted out my acid reflux, wind etc by changing what and when I eat. The digestive system can really impact our health if we don't look after it. Even if your digestive symptoms aren't linked to your heart palpitations etc that doesn't mean they should be ignored as they could get worse or just wear you down.
I'm only 3 months into my alternative eating pattern, but I got health results very quickly. My blood pressure is coming down, my asthma has improved so that I've been able to come off my LAMA inhaler, reflux gone, no wind, no headaches. I stress that this has been OK'd with my asthma nurse as a way to resolve my asthma but it's having all sorts of benefits. I eat twice a day, 6 hours apart, no carbs, no processed foods, no sugar. Lots of omega 3 foods plus a range of veg to get various nutrients, meat, fish, some fruit. I also take fish oil for its omega 3. I avoid omega 6 foods as for me they are inflammatory. My asthma nurse is asthmatic herself so understands stuff beyond medication and she's also faced problems with trying to find what suits her in terms of treatment and lifestyle.
There are arguments on both sides re intermittent fasting and keto, so I would always recommend having a chat with your asthma nurse/doctor first before embarking on anything new. They're not dieticians or nutritionists, but it's important that they know what you're trying achieve. My asthma nurse referred me to a health coach as they had the expertise to support me. All I can say that this has been one of the easiest things I've done, and that's from someone who loves their ready meals, carbs & sugar.
Hi, as an alternative thing to consider - have you heard of POTS? It can cause physical symptoms similar to those of anxiety and is really common post covid.
If you do think it's a possibility there are quite a few easy things you can do to improve it whilst waiting for diagnosis. Might be worth a quick Google to see if it fits.
For me I get the physical symptoms of a panic attack but without the feelings of doom, panic, racing thoughts or actual mental distress.
I work in mental health and if someone contacted me with those symptoms thinking it was anxiety I would advise them that it can only be considered once all the physical health things are checked out first. Not just cardiac issues but deficiencies or hormone based issues too.
It is a good idea to look at anxiety based self help things regardless as they are helpful so look at headspace app (paid version), mindfulness, etc. I use a huge amount of mindfulness when my asthma is acting up more because it helps manage the emotional side of things better.
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