Anxiety About My Breathing, How Can I Change My Thinking?

[Raidergal2022]

I don’t mean to be pedantic even though I know I probably am but I have a big fear around my breathing

I have been anxious about my health for several months ever since I had a fainting episode on holiday, though it has an explainable cause - lack of food/pain it has triggered a lot of anxiety (peoples comments at the time didn’t help they said my lips were blue etc). I have had heart checks since all was normal.

For the past several months I have developed a lot of anxiety about my breathing, developed air hunger, a winded sensation in the region of my diaphragm which comes and goes, acid reflux which caused a tight chest,raspy breathing and some sort of tickle/irritation in my throat which caused a cough. I had a barium swallow which showed esophagus dysmotility. The above symptoms have eased slightly after taking omeprazole but the chest tightness terrifies me. Nasal endoscopy showed nothing. I am awaiting spirometry tests but will have to wait several months.

I am worried as I have always had a low peak flow (300) and nasal polyps/rhinitis so know I am at risk. I know that most of my issue is anxiety but my brain can’t really find peace with the idea that I could have asthma/sudden breathing difficulties when out and about. I accept that there is likely a lot of weakness and fault in my thinking but I don’t know how those with asthma deal with the possibility of breathing difficulty, it is terrifying and I haven’t been diagnosed yet. I have had CBT by the way, hasn’t fully helped.

[douglas9401]

Maybe have it again?

[TheWinner]

wait for sqad to reply, and see what he says.

[wolf63]

I wrote you a long reply and was just about to post itwhen my Tablet crashed and all the text vanished.

Summary ... Try not to be be get worried or obsessed about something that you have not been diagnosed with.

Reflux and anxiety could explain all your problems. Try and deal with them.

Don't Google health issues. Find a hobby to get wrapped up in. Get a cat or a dog. Go to evening classes.

I, and many others on AB, know how anxiety can ruin your life. Only you can change the situation.

[Raidergal2022]

Thanks

Thanks for taking the time anyway Wolf, appreciated. I have returned to full time work which provides some distraction even though it increases anxiety in several ways. I know it’s about just pushing through though

[hellywelly4]

After having long Covid last year I was very much like you. I was put on Sertraline which has helped a lot. Has your doctor suggested anything like that?

[Hopkirk]

Do you exercise?

If not, I suggest you do - even if it just brisk walks in the countryside.

It is beneficial in so many ways, both physical and mental.

[Raidergal2022]

Hellywelly - At times I think I should be taking something but I am better now than what I was months ago I just can’t chase off the fear of having an asthma/respiratory attack.


Hopkirk- I used to exercise loads I trained and competed in middle distance/sprints but since my anxiety/acid reflux issues have been afraid (hate to admit it) I do the static bike at home on occasion but after my tight chestedness/breathing issues (whatever the cause is) I honestly fear being out on a run and having an asthma attack. I have been going for walks (a few weeks ago I developed a tight chest on a walk in hindsight I think it was due to my acid reflux). Medication helps but not fully.