Constant shortness of breath- Anxiety??

[ssharm]

Hi, I am an 18 year old female. For the last 3 months I have had a constant shortness of breath that is very severe and it lasts all day and night. I have had a thorough physical examination and all tests came out clear. My doctor says it is anxiety and even though it is hard to beleive i have convinced myself that it is true. I was under a lot of stress with University and I have had trouble sleeping for years. I am waiting to see a psychiatrist but i am scared. I keep thinking what if medications do not work or what if I don't get better. The problem is very severe and I feel as though i can never breathe. I have been trying to ignore the problem by going out with friends, doing yoga but its always there and it feels terrible. I don't think i can just ignore it.

I am just wondering if anyone has ever been through this horrible experience, if it is truely anxiety, and if your condition has improved. I really just need any kind of hope or support at this point. Thanks a lot,

Samantha.

[crystalfresh]

I want to make clear when I said anxiety can produce asthma that was trigger an asthma reaction on a person who already has asthma. Will not cause asthma on a person who otherwise never had it. :)

[crystalfresh]

WHOA.. I noticed that your tag included "Pregnancy". This changes everything. Do not try any medication with out talking to a MD Doctor first. Different rules apply if pregnant. I don't know if pregnancy is present, just saw the tag. They can test for allergies with a blood test too so you won't need medication to find the results.

I don't know what your doctor tested your for, but Asthma and Allergy can be a question to ask.

But what you do describe can be anxiety and most people with anxiety describe the same feelings.

[gemandco]

hi it sounds like a classic case of anxiety. I had my first anxiety/panic attack when i was 18. There was no real reason for it and i didn't know what it was. All that happens is you worry about lots of things even small things like 'i forgot to dust the living room' ! I didn't do it consiously though but it happened alot at night then i experianced difficulty breathing which in turn causes you to panic more. I have learnt how to deal with it. If it starts take yourself out of the situation you are in, if you can't do that then doing something to focus your mind, while it is occupied it cant worry! Try breathing in through mouth and out your nose. That helps me or reading a magazine article, looking out the window, naming animals by the alphabet......try them out and see what helps. Good luck
xxxx Gem xxxx

[ssharm]

Thanks everyone! I looked through some of the other forums, it feels so much better knowing for sure that this is anxiety and the more educated i get, the better my mind feels about this issue. First i just want to say i am NOT pregnant. This was the first note i wrote and im not quite sure how to work this yet, i don't know how that happened haha.

Also i did have asthma when i was little, i didnt know anxiety could trigger that. However my doctor says my lungs sound very good. When this first started about 2 months ago it was soo severe that every minute i thought i was going to pass out, i used my ventalyne about 5 times, but it had no effect. It would get really bad at certain points of the day almost like a panic attack, but the shortness of breath was always there. Now it doesnt get worse or better, its always the same shortness of breath. It really scares me because i feel like my body has become immune to breathing like this and it will be like this forever.  

Also i am going to go in and get tested for allergies soon just to be sure, but i am pretty sure its anxiety.

Thanks everyonee, take care :)

[tommylee333]

i get this alots of times.and i have anxiety and ocd.

[ARUNAVA]

I can suggest you a altenative therapy called "Pranayam" from India which is practiced by Yogis.

There are 4 breathing exercises that you have to do and spend approximately 20 minutes in total. It will help you immensely and rather cure you of your present problems.

If it interests you write to me at ***@**** and I will forward details and the links.

Best wishes
A Dasgupta
India