Panic attacks

[Jonn54]

Hi I'm a long term sufferer of bronch/asthma but now I'm suffering with sudden onset panic attacks

Does anybody else suffer from these if so how do you deal with them.

[JANET127]

Hello, My name is Janet127, I am new on here! Well, I use to get Panic attacks awful! Once you had one you don't forget it! They are intense! The way I understand it is ,when we are under STRESS for long periods of time, it depletes chemicals in the brain. So instead of just trying to deal with them(which is hard) I went to my Doctor and got medication to stop them! and YES..my chemical is back in my brain and I no longer worry about Panic Attacks!! THANK GOD! Those things are awful!! Hope I helped!

[megshafer]

Hi Jonn54, I suffered from horrible panic attacks for very many years. As, I have commented to others, I bought the book by Claire Weekes, MD...."Help and Hope for your Nerves"....when you learn...it's only a thought...(your panic) and you are no longer fearful of the panic...they disappear....it does take time...but, they do disappear...

It's a very easy read. I just followed her kind and understanding advice.

Hope this helped you....take good care.

Meg

[Robin77 in reply to megshafer]

That book helped me too once. Like a calming kind voice.

[Sandyeggo]

Yes john4, I use to start worrying about the next time I was gonna struggle for air and that sent me into a panic attack. Also happened after coughing to the point of no return again all due to gasping for air. The doctor gave me some pills( strong ones) then I really haven’t had one in a long time but I also practice yoga, tai chi and meditation that stuff will keep all the bad stuff away often times. You need to tell your doc as well. Kind reguards

[Badbessie]

There are a number of things that could help you from Cognitive behaviour therapy to simple breathing exercises. As other have stated there are some good books about. I would personally see my GP. There are medications that could help you whilst you look in non chemical therapy's.

[Bella395]

John54 - have you had an ecg lately? Might be useful to rule out physical problems such has atrial fibrillation.

[anng1814]

Hi John,

I suffered from panic attacks (horrible feeling). Deep breathing helped. I'd leave the doctor's medication alone if you can avoid it. It seems to cause more trouble than its worth.

[starskyd]

Hi Jonn54 I get Panic attacks too. I also suffer with asthma, Bronchiectasis and Epilepsy. I feel clammy, light headed and find breathing difficult. It is a scary time. Ive been told to control my breathing but that's easier said than done. I feel for you they are scary. I find i cant go to confined spaces without company, always look for exits, public transport scary alone so dont do unless accompanied, used to spend years o London Underground daily, its debilitating.

[hallentine47]

I have emphysema/COPD/Asthma and several other conditions all being treated. At 71 I was experiencing violent panic attacks especially after spending 19 days in Intensive Care after Pneumonia. Learning breathing techniques such as abdominal breathing with persed lips and being prepared where i could to mentally manage a panic attack when sensing early warning signs. I also had the support of my GP who prescribed a small dose of Lorazepam when feeling anxious. I also studied when and where the attacks would happen and try to avoid or prepare in advance. Anxiety and panic I now associate with my condition and this acceptance seems to have helped as well. Take care. Tony

[Dusty017]

My partner has stage4 COPD and has chronic panic attacks - sitting in front of the fan really helps.

[nansyl]

Hi John I do panic when I cant breath as I have pulmonary fibrosis,and I use small hand held fan and relax doing deepbreating, this really does help honestly. Marks and Spencer do a good one not expensive. My physio Recommended it and I wouldn't leave home without it. Please give it a go try.