Don't know what to do or think

[Purple_1963]

Last 3 days I've felt strange feels like I can't breath sob coughing up sputum alot on diff meds but it's the shortness of breath thats worrying... I feel weak when stand or walk about my BP is high but on meds my oxy keeps going up n down feels as though I'm suffocating I'm fast breathin all time really scared I've phoned GP explained no appointments available what should I do all I want do is lay in bed with oxymeter on finger

[Yumz199725]

That's how I felt for a whole month I had the flu and then sinusitis x

[Purple_1963 in reply to Yumz199725]

Oh right x I'm so scared thou... Like now it's like I'm force breathing my shoulders are moving more than my chest x

[Yumz199725 in reply to Purple_1963]

Definitely don't leave this call 111 straight away xx

[knitter]

Ring 111 would be my advice ….tell them your oximeter reading and your worsening shortness of breath .

My breathlessness has got worse last few days , but after emailing my surgery this morning I spoke to a nurse practitioner who ordered more steroids and antibiotics for me . If no improvement soon she said go to A and E

Ring 111 explain no appointments available .

[knitter]

if no luck ringing 111 , then time for A and E

Take care .

[Purple_1963]

Now I'm worried big time

[soppysokes in reply to Purple_1963]

its sensible to get it checked out - if you have mucus and sob it maybe you woukd benifit from short steroid course and/or antibiotics- but please bear in mind any anxiousness and subsequent tension of upper body will make the shortness of breath feel much worse. also a pulse oxi should definitely not be used continuously if it is the readings will differ and be incorrect.

[Purple_1963]

Can't av steriods had only had course Xmas time

[knitter in reply to Purple_1963]

I have many courses of steroids , often one after another .

On more today , my last lot in December

[soppysokes in reply to Purple_1963]

If you had an acute problem and were prescribed steroids over xmas then its quite possible whatever you had then wasn't fully cleared up and has returned.

[BrigidsFire in reply to Purple_1963]

I was on steroids (quite a high dose) for at least 10 months. You can have more than one short course, or be on them long term.

[Lol1944]

get attention now or end up in hospital is what I think

[Purple_1963]

I've phoned 111 they say anxiety x

[Patk1 in reply to Purple_1963]

Anxiety and /or panic attacks do cause breathing difficulties.do u have any coping strategies to help u relax?Pls look up controlled breathing techniques on ALUK website.it really does help to slow + steady breathing

[knitter in reply to Purple_1963]

I just wrote a long reply and it’s vanished , sorry .

It might re appear .

Phone your health professional tomorrow , or A and E if you need it .

ALUK has a helpline open tomorrow for UK residents too

No panic contact too

[Tia4209 in reply to Purple_1963]

Have you had these symptoms before or are they new? Whilst Anxiety can cause these symptoms it is unlikely to be continuous for more than a few hours. I have been told so many times my symptoms ate anxiety but they never have been they have usually been something quite serious, so it is worth going to A and E. Anxiety would not cause low 02 a faulty oximeter or cold hands can give low readings, but not anxiety.

[BrigidsFire in reply to Tia4209]

Tia is correct. Anxiety also doesn’t produce mucus. It sounds more like a viral or bacterial infection.

[Marionmarion in reply to Tia4209]

How I HATE this, when everybody (professional or not) tells you it's just in your head. OF COURSE you panic when you can't breathe, especially with crackly and wheezing noises! 🙄So I am with you all the way!

[Purple_1963 in reply to Marionmarion]

Thankyou xx

[Purple_1963]

What's ALUK?

[Patk1 in reply to Purple_1963]

Asthma & lung uk

[Troilus]

asthma and lung uk- helpline Call us on 0300 2225800 Monday-Friday 0915-5pm

[Alberta56]

Everybody's right. You do need medical help- if only to learn breathing techniques if nothing else. If anxiety is involved, which there is plenty of room to doubt, that should be taken seriously.

[Lewis27444]

Go a and e if your that worried

[Mellywelly]

Sorry your feeling like this. Demand an emergency appointment to see your doctor as I don't think they can refuse. Your obviously worried about what's going on. Honestly they cannot refuse. Be brave and do it. 😉🤞let us know how you get on.

[MoyB]

Panic attacks can present with the symptoms you have, but if you have a lung condition it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Even though the NHS is very stretched, they still prioritise breathing difficulties and it's better for them to send you away having confirmed a panic attack than it is to become more and more worried about your symptoms which - if it really IS a panic attack - will only make them worse.

I hope you are feeling better today and, if so, perhaps you don't need further medical help, but if you are feeling the same or worse and you cannot be seen by a GP. ,I'd recommend you go to A&E.

xx Moy

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hello Purple_1963

I am sorry to hear you are struggling with this. Do you live in the UK? if so you are welcome to call our helpline as other members have mentioned. We have a Specialist Respiratory Physiologist who may be able to help if you are suffering with breathlessness due to anxiety.

Find our more on how we can support you here.

asthmaandlung.org.uk/helpline

Take care

Helpline Team

[shouty]

Hope you are doing ok now

[watergazer]

Get yourself checked out to see if you have infections going on x

[Ern007]

Your symptoms could cause anxiety and depression. But so can physical issues . Demand not to be seen by GP or go to A&E better safe than sorry.

[Neville33]

go to the hospital emerg asap..your dr. Should be seeing you if it’s annwmergency

[Patk1]

How ru today Purple_1963

[Fitbit-Joe]

Sounds like you might have a upper respiratory infection, which I'm just recovering from. Around Xmas day, became ill, at first thought it to be a cold virus, but other symptoms suggested other.

The second week, I began to have breathing difficulties like nothing I have had before. I would describe my breathing problem like I was suffocating, or had been hold my breath under water. I could only take one sip of water at a time, before I felt like I was suffocating.

By the fourth week my breathing improved, but still had a cough, and bringing up mucus

[Marionmarion]

Any update, Purps? 🙏🏻

[HerLadyship]

I hope you got some help purple...let us know how things are now