Health anxiety kicking in yet again!

Just when I thought I was over my most recent health anxiety issue, another one has surfaced. I seem to have allergy induced asthma. It's similar to what I had a couple of years ago. At that time the doctor gave me an inhaler and told me to come back for a referral if things didn't improve. Apparently they improved because over time I forgot about it. Then it came back this year. Shortness of breath, coughing, post nasal drip, etc. I went to a doc in the box and he indicated it was allergies and said to continue with the meds. Of course I'm now thinking it's something more than that after reading up on shortness of breath. I'm convinced I have copd or lung cancer. Why do I do that? Why can't I just accept the diagnosis and give things time? I'm so tired of feeling like this. I'm always fretting about health issues. I would love to be like everyone else and just go with the flow. Now I'm back on Xanax again. Ugh.

Dear Specialone....I am JUST like you. I was just going to post a question about shortness of breath when I read your post. I used to have shortness of breath alot when I was younger but, as usual, it was just my anxiety. Now that I'm older I'm SURE it must be something like copd or lung cancer but I'm too afraid to go to the doc....terrible debilitating white coat syndrome! But I have been very anxious and depressed lately so I'm thinking some of this shortness of breath is anxiety induced. It's amazing what anxiety can do to you....I've live with it on and off all my life and its soooo frustrating. I have friends who have been through so much more real physical problems than me, yet thy seem so brave and I'm such a coward....always afraid, afraid, afraid. But it does help to know that i'm not alone. Good luck to you. I'm sure you are fine too, that this is all anxiety related.