Hi,
Does anyone else have problems with shortness of breath? This is one of my many symptoms that has been consistant for over a year. I've had every cardiac test imaginable and a chest CT to rule out any physical causes. It seems like I can't do anything without feeling out of breath...just walking across the room makes me feel as if I just ran up a flight of stairs. Sometimes, it comes on when I'm just sitting still. Also, I'm not out of shape and don't smoke. I still have trouble believing anxiety is the only cause. Does anyone else have this?
Hilery :angel:

Hey Hilery,

I do have that a lot. I just think that it is a vicious cycle with us...dizzy, pass out, lightheadness, chest pain, breathlessness...the list goes on and on. It is hard to believe that anxiety causes all of this...I posted to you on the other board as well, to just check in.
It is rough...we are nervously ill...I don't get it.

Bec

Hi,

I used to have this chronically several years ago, the key to getting it to stop is simple but hard to master.

1. It is essential that IF yoour docs and the tests show that you are fine that you accept its anxiety.

Doing this will enable your body to take the foot off the fear and in turn reduice the symptoms.

2. Abdominal breathing

All you are doing is chronially shallow braething, completely harmless and is a habit, thats all. Practise this at any available moment and also practise relaxation. Again its to ease on the fear.

3. Work on your thoughts, when you find yourself caught in the....whats wrong with me, why cant I breat , are they sure its anxiety etc etc,you are effectivelt in the anxiety thought process cycle, going now where but feeling more anxious. To braek this you have to practise cahllenging these false beliefs. So you say NO I will get better, this is temporary, this will pass, i dont mind when as I know it will.

Gradually the symptom will become less important to you and will not scare you, its at this point that it fail to have any power and it will go.

I know how horrible it is, so you have my sympathy, apologies if this post is a bit rambling its very late here in the uk and I am rushing!!

Good Luck.

Anxiety can cause so many symptoms. My whole family has a problem with it and we all have different symptoms. My sister has the breathing problem. She even wakes up in the middle of the night feeling like she can't get her breath. Her doctor has assured her there is nothing wrong physically. My physical symptoms has got better as of late because I just flat out quit worrying when something comes up. Before it would snowball. Now it just passes.

I agree..that if you stop worrying abou it...it will pass.
I had it really bad 2 years ago...But even though my anxiety attacks came back...that symtom did not.I think this Is because I don't fear it anymore...I understand it.If you look into Anxiety symtoms...you will find this is a very common one. ;)

Thanks for your replys. :)
It definatly helps to know I'm not alone. I do notice that I'm taking shallow breaths a lot of the time.
I know I need to accept that anxiety is the cause of most of my symptoms, but it's hard to do. :)

Thanks again,
hilery

Anxiety could very well be the cause of the shortness of breath, but have you had your thyroid checked? That is one of the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Nancy

Anxiety could very well be the cause of the shortness of breath, but have you had your thyroid checked? That is one of the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Nancy

Hi,
Yes, I had my thyroid removed last year, so my labs are checked every few months. I was "hyper" for awhile, but now my levels are within normal range. It's strange because I've actually been feeling more short of breath since my synthroid dose was lowered 2 months ago.