I found this link whilst researching ... - Lung Conditions C...
I found this link whilst researching the connection between copd and dyspenia, it made a lot of sense to me.
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I can't read it unless I subscribe so I'm afraid I can't comment.
I noticed that, it didn't seem to ask me to subscribe, but another friend also said the same as you have.
Basically, in a brief note, it discusses what appears to be a common connection between COPD patients and symptoms of Anxiety / Panick attacks.
I started suffering with anxiety around two or so years ago, this came around the same time as I started suffering with breathlessness for no apparent reason. Not knowing quite what was wrong I had personally gone to the doctor, and since. Have a history of mental health illness (stigma coming up) the doctors quickly brushed it off as anxiety, this in result caused more anxiety as I became anxious about anxiety, the breathlessness (dyspenia) was worsened by anxiety, and what we now know was the first initial appearance of what may well have been the obstructive airways disease caused the anxiety.
This report explained in great detail a lot of what I had experienced before a partial diagnosis of copd (I use the term partial in regards to the fact that though I have the diagnosis I am still to have the Spiromiter test to see lung function so that they can rest on a diagnosis of which form of copd I have, and them treat it)
The report also shows that Anxiety in copd is often unrecognised and thus less treated by doctors as medical professionals don't know enough about it, and it seems that I have come across an article that now looks like it is solely for the viewing of health professionals and not patients... Oops, lol.
Well, I am glad that I have seen it now as I feel that it is an important issue, if we know that there is a relatable link between anxiety and copd, it can can be fought against.
The most memorable point I recall in the report is that dyspenia is a symptom of both copd and anxiety, together the two create a visions circle. This will be the first thing I mention to the doctor when I see them 
Hi
The British lung foundation do a leaflet ' Dealing with anxiety'
I received mine yestday at PR classes . It as lots of information on cause and treatment.
Breathing techniques ect.
Ring them on 03000 030 555
Yes, it's very common Alfin, can't breathe, fight of flight comes into play with adrenalin causing anxiety and a full blown panic attack. A lot of people are prescribed Lorazepam (or similar) a very quick acting muscle relaxant which relaxes the diapragm enabling you to get control of your breathing which has gone into overdrive. Panic attacks when you have copd can be very dangerous as you are taking in more air than you can expel, leaving no room in your lungs. If you are suffering badly, mention the meds to your gp/consultant. Sadie
COPD and Anxiety is something quite a few deal with I think Alfin.
Here is the result of search on BLF home pages on same subject:
blf.org.uk/Search?query=cop...
Hope this is of help also.
Best wishes BC
Wow. I have to be honest, I didn't expect so many truly helpful and supportive replies.
Before the doctor said the words: obstructive airways disease, to me, I was completely clueless. I had no idea about lung disease and no clue about BLF, it's like a whole new family, everyone together. Thank you so much... I feel that whatever this is that I've been told I have, and if it turns out to be mild, or even server in later life, I know that I won't be alone. I hope that I can be as supportive when you wonderful people need advice too God Bless you all xxxx
There are some vry knowledgeable people on here. I don't have COPD (well, as far as I know t the moment) but a lot of people on here do. Those of us who don't share the same lung disease can still care and share. In our darker moments it is so hard to talk to family and friends. On here they share many of the same feelings. Good luck and keep breathing. xxx Alison
Thank you Alison xxxx
Yes the anxiety is something that goes hand in hand at times with Copd,unfortunately.Didint happen to me for some years,but when it hit,I found it quite scary.Would happen at the most embarrassing times,& found I was starting to make excuses,not to go places!
Fortunately,after a few weeks,I pulled myself together,& went to visit my GP.best thing I could have done.He asked me if Iwanted to see a psychologist,I said not at this time.Anyway he put me on Zoloft 50 mg.for 6 months,then to be reduced,it was just what I needed.Touch wood,lol,I have not looked back.
I did feel a little reluctant at the time,never having had that type of medication previously.But am so grateful I gave it a go.Never had any side effects etc. from it.
I do feel deeply for people,that suffer from these panic attacks,it is soul destroying.
Good luck with it all,& a belated welcome to the group!
Cheers Wendells xxx
Thank you Wendells, indeed, I find that the hardest part for me is not the lung disease, but the anxiety that comes with it. In fact, for me the anxiety came first, I spent two years going to the doctors and being told that all I had was anxiety. I was prescribed Diazepam. It was recently that the doctors discovered that I had copd, they have no clue what kind of copd it is, it may just be asthma... All I know is that the anxiety takes over my life and drives me insane I hate it. I am a Christian man, and before the disease came to light, I was bombarded by one specific verse, and that verse was Philippians 4, 6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
I realise now that God was telling me that I was entering into a time of trail, and that my Faith needed to be strong. It's hard,mist so hard, but I know I can do it. With Faith, and treatment, and the right medication, I will get there. I will certainly be mentioning the ,meds that you were offered to my GP
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