Please help me with my asthma related anxiety issues.

Kyndal · 08-09-2007, 01:47 PM

I am a seventeen year old girl. I have had asthma for as long as I can remember. But just recently it has seemed to get worse. I constantly feel like my chest is extremely tight, and like I am short of breath. When I eat food, it makes me very out of breath, even if my nose isn't plugged. When it is really hot and humid or even just hot, I feel dizzy and out of breath. All of these factors have made me extremely scared of having a real, serious asthma attack. Because in my opinion nothing is scarier than thinking you might not be able to breath. But it has gotten so bad that I don't even want to leave the house, because I am afraid of my breathing stopping when I am away from home. I don't like visiting friends houses anymore, I don't like to shop, or go on walks or bike rides or car rides or even my piano lessons which are my favorite. It seems like when I go somewhere I start to wheez more and get scared more. Its just that the thought of having an asthma attack and the feeling of chest tightness is too intense and scary, so that its unbearable. I only feel safe when I am at my house with my mom because she knows about my asthma and how I deal with it. I can't enjoy really anything anymore. Could someone please give me some help with how to overcome the unbearable anxiety? And any help with the chest tightness and shortness of breath? Please, I am desperate. I don't know what to do.
Thanks.

Titchou · 08-09-2007, 02:14 PM

You don't mention whether or not you are on any meds for the asthma or the anxiety. We would need to know that before anyone could make a valid comment. If you are on no medications for the asthma, that should be the first place to start.

curmudgeon · 08-09-2007, 04:42 PM

Absolutely! If you aren't on meds, or they aren't working, you need to see your doctor.

And hiding out in your house isn't a solution. Do your friends know about your asthma? If not, tell them. Real friends understand. Real friends will take care of you if something happens. Talk to them. Educate them. Tell them what to do if you have an attack.

The more you educate the people around you, the more comfortable you will be. You can also wear a Medic Alert or similar type bracelet to let people know of your asthma if you can't talk. They have all kinds of amazing, fashionable bracelets and necklaces these days.

People with asthma lead full, active lives. There are many athletes with asthma competing at the highest levels. People from all walks of life and all ages. You are NOT alone!

And your fears are understandable. You just can't let them control your life. Keep track of what triggers the worst attacks. Maybe certain foods are a problem for you. Or certain plants. Or times of the year. The more you know the easier it will be to manage.

But first of all, make sure your medication is working. And if you aren't on medication, see your doctor because it sounds like you need it.

And keep in touch with this board. I'm new here and already I can tell you there are some great people with lots of info and lots of experience who can help you through all of this. A problem shared is a problem halved!

Kyndal · 08-09-2007, 09:35 PM

Sorry, I forgot to explain my meds. I take Singulair once a day, and Advair 250/50 twice a day. I have a rescue inhaler (albuterol) that I take less than once a day. I also use Nasocort twice a day to be able to breath out of my nose. If it means anything, I also use Adoxa pills, Clindagel and Differin topical ointments to try to help clear up my acne. And elidel for excema. I have what my doctor calls the "triad". Asthma, allergies and excema. It sucks.

But I will start talking to my friends about it and maybe even buy one of those bracelets, which I used to have one for my peanut/walnut allergy but it got worn out because I wore it for like 10 years. But I did some research and read that some teas such as green and chai teas can help relieve asthma. What kind would you recommend? Also, my piano teacher suggested that I try yoga and other physical therapy and meditation also...but I am not sure.

curmudgeon · 08-09-2007, 11:08 PM

They say if you need your rescue inhaler more than 2-3 times a week then you need to adjust your other meds. Something to discuss with your doc anyway.

I personally don't know of any teas that help but I do know that caffeine can help if you are having an attack. Yoga might be a really good idea. It helps to keep you fit and teaches you proper deep breathing techniques. And it can help you deal with stress too.

Hypnotherapy can also be helpful for people dealing with panic attacks and anxiety disorders so it might help you too. It basically puts you into a hypnotic state and teaches you to train your body to relax, to breath deeply and properly, and to handle your stress (and pain, if it applies) safely.

Here's my theory. Do anything and everything that helps you feel better. And get your friends involved. Take yoga with them. Go out for tea afterwards with them.

17 can be one of the toughest, greatest times in your life. Even without asthma it can be a challenge. But don't hide away and let it pass you by.

And don't forget to laugh. Laughter releases endorphins which make you feel good. And laughing expands your diaphragm and lungs and makes you breath deeper. Plus it's, you know, funny.