drowning

what do you do when feels like drowning ? any breath control is out the window with panic chasin it

[yellow90]

Pursed lipped breathing to get the feeling of panic under control.

[Hidden]

Was told by a medic that you can not stop breathing even if it feels like it

if that is any comfort for you

[elian]

I know from personal experience that this answer is easier said than done, but it's worth it in the long run.

Close your eyes, imagine yourself in a beautiful place (garden, beach, etc). Breathe in through your nose and out through pursed lips - as though you were trying to whistle.

Place your left hand on your chest, your right hand on your abdomen. As you breathe in through your nose let your abdomen rise (but not your chest). As you breathe out let your abdomen muscles relax again, try not to force the breath.

If this is too difficult for you then sit on a chair at a table, place your arms (to the elbows) on the table and lean forward from your hips. This should help you to breathe more easily.

Failing these, try to find a relaxation class or, as one other member suggested, ask your GP's surgery about going on a Pulmonary Rehabilitation course, where breathing techniques are taught.

I hope you find your solution to this problem.

The British Lung Foundation Helpline would also be a good port of call. It's a Freephone number.

Stay calm and carry on.........

[elian]

I know from personal experience that this answer is easier said than done, but it's worth it in the long run.

Close your eyes, imagine yourself in a beautiful place (garden, beach, etc). Breathe in through your nose and out through pursed lips - as though you were trying to whistle.

Place your left hand on your chest, your right hand on your abdomen. As you breathe in through your nose let your abdomen rise (but not your chest). As you breathe out let your abdomen muscles relax again, try not to force the breath.

If this is too difficult for you then sit on a chair at a table, place your arms (to the elbows) on the table and lean forward from your hips. This should help you to breathe more easily.

Failing these, try to find a relaxation class or, as one other member suggested, ask your GP's surgery about going on a Pulmonary Rehabilitation course, where breathing techniques are taught.

I hope you find your solution to this problem.

The British Lung Foundation Helpline would also be a good port of call. It's a Freephone number.

Stay calm and carry on.........

[Hidden]

Hi All

Very beautiful post elian such an understanding of keeping calm

Best Wishes Robert

[sam29]

It must be the most horrible thing to happen i hope you manage to get it under control .This happens to my Dad and its scary just to even watch !

[AmazingGrace]

Have to agree with you Crisps. That drowning feeling is non-negotiable.

[oakhouse2]

Hi there David, welcome to the group, I suggest you use a fan, it helps me when I am struggling for breath, try and relax and try not to panic because it will more than likley make you feel worse.

Keep your chin up and keep in touch

Regards Linda

[Hidden]

Going a little slower stopping before you can not get a breath saves the panic of no breath. Go at your own speed slow and stop if must.

Kind regards Ethel

[Hidden]

A thank you to all looks like back to school to learn how best to live with this

[Mulie]

Crisps it isn't easy is it? You can be taught how to get your breath through various techniques but have to agree when push comes to shove, panic can take over and it is hard not to.

Can I ask, do you use the reliever blue Ventolin inhaler? My practice nurse showed me how to use a "spacer" by "sipping" it about ten times when I get breathless and that helped get the breathing more under control sufficiently for me to use the techniques I had been shown at PR.

Good luck with it

M

[johnswife]

well my hubby would say that when he felt like this he hated anyone near him , or tight clothing round him , nebs never worked but he tried a nasal cannula with nebs which worked but must check with you dr or nurse. he found tri podding best when sat but you are told to stretch you lungs by sitting as up right as poss. though this is difficult

though best advice is after it happens talk to the people you are with and how you felt and tell them what you might like to try next time it happens . so they are more prepared for this as it can be frighten too see and this then makes it worse for you .if they aren't coping.