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Posted 12/12/2016 10:44 AM (GMT 0)
Had a very scary night last night. My thoughts were racing, my chest tightened up like someone was lifting it, I couldn't exhale fully and I kept waking up for air. On the off chance I took 2 puffs of Ventolin inhaler which relieved everything but the gasping and racing thoughts.

We have discussed asthma at my doctors before. I never cough, wheeze or feel heavy but I do get tight and short of breath. My highest peak flow is 740 and I was a bit scared to see it lower at 630-660 last night. Ventolin helps but I've been on preventers for ages and they don't help at all.

Could anxiety be making me feel like I have asthma and the Ventolin has a placebo effect? Thank you!
Posted 12/12/2016 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
GG,

Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between anxiety symptoms and a physical issue...because anxiety can and does cause us to have sensations in our bodies that are absolutely real!

So if you think about it...the way you approached your situation last night was appropriate. Treating the physical symptom was a good start, in case it was your asthma acting up.

The next step is then to follow up with an anxiety management strategy.

Were you able to use some coping skills/self help to get relief? Stress Relaxation Exercises can be found in our Resources at the top of the main forum page here if you need material. Practicing these everyday will make a big difference in how you feel.

Ironically, my sister who has asthma finds breathing exercises to be really helpful. I have a favorite (that she also likes), if you are interested...just let me know:)

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 12/12/2016 5:20 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
GG,

Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between anxiety symptoms and a physical issue...because anxiety can and does cause us to have sensations in our bodies that are absolutely real!

So if you think about it...the way you approached your situation last night was appropriate. Treating the physical symptom was a good start, in case it was your asthma acting up.

The next step is then to follow up with an anxiety management strategy.

Were you able to use some coping skills/self help to get relief? Stress Relaxation Exercises can be found in our Resources at the top of the main forum page here if you need material. Practicing these everyday will make a big difference in how you feel.

Ironically, my sister who has asthma finds breathing exercises to be really helpful. I have a favorite (that she also likes), if you are interested...just let me know:)

Peace and progress,

S.C.

Yes please. I do hope this isn't asthma because I've lost a lot of relatives to similar illnesses sadly. Anxiety meds don't really help me but I'll certainly try excercises!
Posted 12/12/2016 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, here is the link to our Resources. I recommend starting with the 'Stress Relieving Exercises' link, and the meditation videos...but check out everything that looks helpful to you as well.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

...and here is my go to breathing exercise.

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 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.

S.C.
Posted 12/12/2016 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Excellent I'll go through as many treatments as possible, thank you!

I did think of something my pharmacist just mentionned today. He said Ventolin helps untighten the chest from anxiety. Is that true?
Posted 12/12/2016 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
For a person with asthma and anxiety as a comorbid condition...it certainly could have that dual effect.

However, it should never be used other than for its prescribed intention, which is asthma treatment.

S.C.
Posted 12/12/2016 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi GG
Welcome to HW, I am sorry your struggling at the moment..

I'm not sure if this helps but I can get the feeling of not being able to breathe properly when anxiety has troubled me in the past. Rather like sucking up through a straw with the bottom blocked.

It can be very distressing but it doesn't cause me to wheeze or cough like my grandsons when they have an asthma attack... Bless them they inherited asthma from their daddy... He struggles too.

The spray may help you as it,s making you take a controlled breath and taking your mind off the Not breath to a good breath.... if that makes sense.

The divided breath exercise SC suggests is very similar to one I use and it is very beneficial.... It took me a while to master it , doesn't happen overnight but practice practice practice and you will get it.

There are some useful breathing guided meditation,s on you tube too..
I find these help me If I need that bit of extra discipline to focus and make sure I do it rather than my mind wander to what I'm cooking later.

Lots of strength and encouragement xxx
gill
Posted 12/13/2016 9:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Anxiety can cause breathing problems which a similar to asthma.

A peak flow of 630-660 is still a good result I have asthma myself and my best peak flow is 560 and I would say my asthma is under control but I do use a preventer every morning and evening.

The breathing exercises SC mentions above are a good option so give them a go and see if it helps if things don't improve go and see your doctor.

Hibee
Posted 12/14/2016 3:17 AM (GMT 0)

Hibee said...
Anxiety can cause breathing problems which a similar to asthma.

Indeed it can. When I first started suffering from anxiety back in 2012 I had issues with breathing insofar as it felt like I could not inhale deeply enough to get a satisfying breath of air. However, if the truth be known, I was getting too much air because, according to the physician who examined me, I was hyperventilating.

So what helped me a great deal were breathing exercises that I practiced in the anxiety class that I took.
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