As an incidental finding from a CT scan 10 years ago I was told I had some emphysema in my upper lungs, I also have asthma and hyper inflated lungs, the end of last year my spirometry test was okay, my peak flow readings are up in my personal bests most afternoons, 460's 420-40 in the morning, yet I am constantly short of breath, I feel like I can not get a good breath in, this has been going on for a few weeks and I am beginning to wonder if the COPD is starting to kick in. My GP is doing all the right things sending for a chest XRAY, covid test ect. But he has suggested it could be stress related, I wanted to scoff but he took me through some questions that were really revealing. Can stress and anxiety really cause constant shortness of breath?, even if I am mindful to breath only through my nose. I do use a nasal spray for congested sinuses, that have been playing up.
Does anyone have any experience of this happening or do you think it could be the COPD kicking in.
Thank you all,
Written by
Alauralane
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Hi yes I suffer from the same thing, and mine is stress related. It gets bad whenever I get stressed. Hope this helps, have a good night and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack xxxx
Thank you so much everyone, for taking the time to reply. I am very grateful for your experiences. I will try and relax a little and wait for all the results to come in.xx
Stress can increase breathlessness, getting worked up, being annoyed or getting in an argument can cause massive breathlessness, the same goes for excitement as well. Not saying this is your problem as there can be a mountain of other reasons.
As per the other replies, yes. Stress/anxiety really can cause breathlessness. It can also result in patterns of dysfunctional breathing, particularly in those with respiratory problems who may be prone to dysfunctional breathing anyway as a result of spells of poor chest health, which can leave you feeling tired and frequently breathless for no obvious reason. If you rule out the obvious physical elements - which is what your GP is doing - then the most likely answer after that is probably going to be stress and/or anxiety, which may or may not include an element of DB. Whilst doctors are often quick to blame stress and anxiety for many things, sometimes inappropriately, it is fair to say that the physical manifestations in the body are unbelievable. Which is why lots of people with anxiety that experience the physical effects are convinced there must be something physically wrong with them.
Stress can cause shortness of breath without any underlying physical condition. The best advice would be to discuss it with your doctor to rule out any obvious physical problems.
As everyone has said yes, stress can cause shortness of breath. But what caught my notice in your post is that you have hyperinflated lungs. That means there is inference when you try to expel air. You can't get a good breath in either because you already have air trapped in your lungs . And this in itself can cause you to become breathless, especially on exertion. We often hear of this condition with people with lung disease.
I'm not sure what the next steps would be but to find out if your COPD is really starting to kick off and treat the underlying issue as soon as possible.
Thank you Cas, yes this is my fear, though I have been told hyperinflated lungs can be normal, and not to put too much stock in the finding, unless coupled with symptoms. I passed my last spirometry, one level low one level high but added together I passed, the previous one was pass after bronchodialators but only just. I think I just want to find out what's going on and get on and deal with it as best as possible. My GP is doing all the right things. You guys here are so fabulous, your help is invaluable. Have a great day.xx
Stress definitely makes everything worse. It took me a year to retire to Malta (selling house and getting rid of stuff). My husband wasn't a help as he has a variety of ailments. During this period, my bronchiectasis and asthma wasn't good and I frequently had to use my blue inhaler.
Now in Malta, my asthma and bronchiectasis has virtually disappeared and is under total control. Mind you, I was exhausted when I arrived and it took me at least 6 months to destress. Unfortunately, when you are or have been stressed, it takes some time to go.
Thank you, I am glad your symptoms have all but disappeared. I am considering moving away from where I am as the air is very polluted here. And am now seeing just how stress can affect people, in different and quite profound ways. Thank you for sharing your experience, have a great day.xx
I am currently going through this. I have been getting breathless for over a year (and maybe a lot longer when I think back to certain events).
I had an xray before Christmas which was fine. Bloods fine. Nurse said she thought I was perhaps not breathing correctly. I've been given inhalers to try, nasal sprays to try.
I was then sent to a consultant who says he thinks it's dysfunctional breathing and possibly dysfunctional vocal chords.
He sent me for a ct scan just to rule anything else out which I had on Sunday.
I'm now awaiting the results.
If it is dysfunctional breathing then I'll have to have physio to help me.
I definitely notice my breathing becomes worse when I'm stressed, rushing around, but I also find it hard to hold a conversation.
Thank you, you sound so similar to me, nothing really helps other than sitting very calmly and quietly, I too struggle sometimes to talk. I was told a couple of years ago when they found I had a deviated septum that my vocal cords were not working quite right, and I needed to see a speach therapist. But I guess very low NHS priority. And the request from the consultant fell by the wayside. I have heard of Vocal cords dysfunction but my understanding of it is the symptoms come in spasms which last a few seconds to a few minutes. Which does not fit with my constant shortness of breath. All the very best with your CT scan results, keep us posted as to your results and if they find a anything. I must research dysfunctional breathing. Thank you, have a great day.xxx
I got diagnosed with dysfunctional breathing and once I saw the respiratory physio weekly for about 8 weeks the breathing exercises really helped me. I had to practice them daily.
Definitely Stress can cause shortness of breath. I suffer from Health Anxiety and if I get stressed I get short of breath . I am constantly aware of controlling my breathing otherwise can cause a Panic Attack . This is scary but you can control it with your breathing. Breathe in thro your nose slowly hold it then slowly with pursed lips breath out. Easy to remember "Smell the Rose's, Blow out the Candle " . Take care .xx Sheila. 😤💕💕
Thank you Sheila, this year with covid and looking after my Mum full time with dementia, I too seem to have developed a bit of a health anxiety. I seem to be obsessed by my breathing. If I catch myself I am usually gasping. Having to wear wretched face masks seem to make it so much worse too, I am always shorter of breath after wearing one. Have a lovely day.xx Alaura.
Stress can cause the same feelings as I have asthma and get anxiety and if I chest breathe I can get into a cycle of dysfunctional breathing. Always check with your asthma nurse in case. But I have found myself focus in on my breathing and that can make me anxious and create breathlessness.
It’s quite natural to be anxious sometimes when you are used to having breathing issues in the past. But i try not to let my fear take over and then I can distinguish what is happening. Maybe get an pulse oximetry device that measures your oxygenated blood at home to reassure you. You can get them on amazon.
You are welcome. Yes diaphragm breathing helps and it makes you relax, takes practice though. I always make sure I do it morning and night and then if I feel breathless. It is easier to do it sitting down or lying down though.
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