hyperventilation sundrome - Panic Disorders Message Board

couger2347 · 06-11-2003, 10:21 PM

Is anyone familiar with the term hyperventilation syndrome. I've suffered with panic and anxiety for many years and was wondering if anyone has looked into how breathing difficulties could be a symptom of anxiety. I'm not talking about the full blown panic but just the everyday feeling of not getting enough air so as to feel relaxed. I came across the term hyperventilation syndrome which has to do with releasing to much co2 by either overbreathing or mouth breathing. My co2 blood test was on the low side but my doctor said that would not show any symptoms. Has anyone made the connection of low co2 and the onset of panic attacks? And has any one had rerally tight gut muscles when feeling anxious or with me allmost constant. This tightness is a major concern along with what feels like air hunger more than I would like.Any insights would be appreciated.

marys62 · 06-12-2003, 07:31 AM

I am new to this anxiety nightmare and am currently on LEXAPRO which has really helped. One of the main problems I have had is the constant awareness of breathing. I feel like my stomach muscles are always tense also. I am now on my third week of Lexapro, and it seems that this is now subsiding.

I think the anxiety causes us to breathe to shallow, which tightens up our stomach muscles. Glad to know that I am not the only one suffering from this.

Good luck.

dinhtran · 06-12-2003, 11:10 AM

Hi,

I have been having the same probs all my life but now that I just had a baby 4 weeks ago it has been worse. I went to the dx yesterday as a matter of fact and I told her that I would like to be tested for asthma. I had the pulmonary tests done over 10 years ago which came out negative but I hate feeling of air hunger. For me its like my nose is stuffed up and no air can get in but when I try to clear the nose out there is nothing to clean out?! I know its strange but anything is possible with my panic self. My baby is colicky so this is not helping my situation at all and my nerves are rattled. I had a rough C-section recovery soooo anyway! I will let you know how the tests go.

Good luck,

Serena

hry33 · 06-12-2003, 03:30 PM

theres info about hyperventilation on the net, some say its the cause of all panic attacks but I dont think it is

when panicky, breathe deep and slow and avoid rapid shallow panting, IMO

valium type meds as needed relax the muscles and should help you

its important to not tense up when anxious, theres no need to hold yourself in check, relaxing is quite OK, nothing terrible can happen