Is breathlessness from copd the same as panic related breathlessness.

[bev1958]

I have a very long history of anxiety ,panic disorders as well as obsessive health anxiety where I panic about breathing issues since having a chest infection 2 years ago.the panic I get is giving me unpleasant symptoms and my dr gave me risperidone,am already on venlafaxine,propranolol,thyroxine and carbimazole as also have graves thyroid disease.When I had chest infection I would get some shortness od breath when I was moving around the house or dressing bathing ect,the symptoms now are as soon as I start doing house cleaning or walking out with dog I start feeling like theres something in my throat,this then makes me get a tingly feeling in my hands and fingers then I feel ever so slightly breathless if I stop what I am doing just for a couple of seconds it goes.If though I manage to get up and do things with a clear mind it does not happen but its difficult to have a clear mind when I get so anxious before excerting myself.

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Dear Bev - sorry to hear about your sob/anxiety. It does sound as if they are linked and another manifestation of your long standing difficulties. As the sob resolves fairly quickly perhaps you could try counting slowly to say, ten, telling yourself that you will be able to breathe well when you get to that number. The nurses at BLF may have better informed suggestions - go to the red ballon at the top of the page to get to the number you need to ring. The person you speak to takes your details and a nurse will ring you back when they are available; they are really good and very knowledgeable.

[Ergendl]

When I did a pulmonary rehab course this last 6 weeks, I discovered that I hyperventilated on exertion, which makes me dizzy and faint and my lips tingle. Doing the exercises on the course with a respiratory physio guiding me, helped me to recognise what I was doing and control my breathing better when doing physical tasks. Maybe you could ask your doctor to refer you to a pulmonary rehab course too.

[bev1958 in reply to Ergendl]

Isn't this course for people with copd? I don't have that..

[Ergendl in reply to bev1958]

I think that depends on each PR course. The course I was on included people with other lung conditions.

[velvet55]

Hello Bev

you do sound as if you are panicking and getting very anxious about 'what may happen ' it's a vicious circle.

Your GP has you on lots of meds but has he ever suggested some sessions of cognitive therapy ( talking through your fears and anxiety with a trained counsellor )

I needed some sessions a while ago and it certainly helped me put my fears in perspective, and taught me some very good coping strategies. It takes time but It may work for you. Wishing you well

Velvet xx

[knitter]

Hi bev I can sympathise, it is very difficult to untangle the link between anxiety and breathlessness and it is easy to get into a vicious circle.

Have you tried the pursed lip breathing technique when the panic starts, just stop what you are doing breathe in gently through your nose and then gently out through your mouth with pursed lips...repeat a few times..

Like erengendal says hyperventilating can make your fingers tingle as the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels get out of balance...someone on here reccommended a book by Dinah Bradley on hyperventilation and I found it very good.

Have you tried relaxation techniques and meditation to help calm and regulate your breathing . The BLF has a very good free exercise CD too.

Take care