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Anxiety attack or lungs problem? Severe suffocation

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Posted 3/12/2014 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
I'm feeling suffocated from a couple of weeks now, it's like i'm not getting oxygen. Shortness of breath as well. gerd is not that severe so can't blame it for these symptoms. From a few days suffocation is getting worse, specially today, it's like suffocating to death. I'm worried as i read bird flu can cause severe suffocation, how to get tested? Dr says my heart and lungs are okay. I can't take deep breath, chest hurts and even the deep breathing feels empty, like oxygen is missing.
Posted 3/12/2014 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
Have you gone to the doctor??
Posted 3/12/2014 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
have you been in contact with poultry, caged birds etc? if so do the owners have any problems with bird flu? if your doc says there are no probs with your heart or lungs, would he have any reason to lie to you? i m sure you go to your doc cos you respect, like and trust them, so its probably the dreaded anxiety. if you need to be sure, there must be blood tests you can have done, but i think you are torturing yourself unnecessarily, as i do all the time! have you tried the breathing exercises in the resource section of this site? they are really helpful. please don t panic, and let us know how you are feeling later on, blessings to you and yours,
Posted 3/12/2014 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi voice and welcome to the A/P.,

I'm sorry, but I can't remember if we have spoken before...or if you have had past anxiety issues?

Air hunger, or feeling like you can't get a full breath is a pretty common anxiety symptom, so know that you are not alone in feeling this way. (you may want to do a search here to read more on the subject.)

We have some really good stress relieving exercises here in our Resources (main page, 1st thread) that can help you to feel more calm, and breathe easier if anxiety is the culprit here. It sounds likely that it is, since you have seen your doctor recently, and all seems well with the exception of your GERD issues?

I also have a favorite breathing exercise that was very effective in helping me when I was struggling with this symptom. I will be happy to post it at your request.:)

Keep posting with us anytime for anxiety support!

S.C.
Posted 3/13/2014 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Yes been to a doctor and he said some kind of blood deficiency is causing this. Yes it would be good if you post that exercise. Thanks
Posted 3/13/2014 9:35 AM (GMT 0)
Feeling really cold from a couple of days, which has nothing to do with the cold weather
Posted 3/13/2014 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Blood deficiency? Of what type, do you recall?

I have (frequently, actually) had that air-gulping that S.C. discusses, and it's a most uncomfortable, scary and sometimes rather painful experience.

Carving out time to practice mindful breathing is sooooo vital, and it helps calm down the muscles in our throat (so they're not on high alert with all the gulping we're doing).

Everyone needs a break! They do too! :)




M.
Posted 3/13/2014 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
V.,

Are you anemic?  If so, insufficient hemoglobin might be the issue...are you being treated for this? I hope that you are working with your doctor to get the help that you need in this regard.

In the meantime, here is the exercise...but also please follow up with your doctor!


The Divided Breath:

Imagine your lungs as having 3 parts.

 

The bottom third, the middle, and top third. On the inhale fill the bottom third first, then the middle and finally the top third.

 

Make sure that this is one continuous breath, but divided, with a slight pause in between each third. Hold the breath in for 3-5 seconds if possible.

 

Exhale in reverse. First blow out the top third, then the middle, and finally the bottom third of your lungs until all air is expelled.(remember the pauses)

 

Repeat several rounds for a toatal of about 10 minutes. Practicing this every day will not only give you control and structure to your breathing, it will strengthen and loosen the thoractic muscles, allowing better, more productive breathing, and relieving the chest tightness!


Best wishes and health

S.C.

Posted 3/13/2014 3:02 PM (GMT 0)

 I can relate. My anxieties used to get so bad it felt like my throat was closing off all the air. Then the panic attacks would kick in and it was all over but the suffering.
 I would still go and have your blood levels checked as it does sound like low Hemoglobin.
GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES!!

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