Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a common symptom of anxiety. It can feel like you can’t catch your breath, or like you’re suffocating. Anxiety can also cause rapid breathing, chest pain, and dizziness.
It can be difficult to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety or a medical condition. However, there are a few things you can look for to help you determine the cause:
- Onset: Anxiety-related shortness of breath often comes on suddenly and without warning. It may also be triggered by specific situations, such as public speaking or being in a crowded place.
- Duration: Anxiety-related shortness of breath is usually short-lived and improves once the anxiety subsides. If your shortness of breath is persistent or severe, it may be due to a medical condition.
- Other symptoms: Anxiety-related shortness of breath is often accompanied by other symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid breathing, chest pain, dizziness, and sweating. If you have any of these other symptoms, it is more likely that your shortness of breath is from anxiety.
If you are unsure whether your shortness of breath is from anxiety or a medical condition, it is important to see a doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and help you to develop a treatment plan for your anxiety.
Here are some tips for telling if your shortness of breath is from anxiety:
- Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Are you feeling anxious or stressed? If so, it is more likely that your shortness of breath is from anxiety.
- Look for other symptoms of anxiety. Do you have any other symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or sweating? If so, it is more likely that your shortness of breath is from anxiety.
- Note the onset and duration of your shortness of breath. Did your shortness of breath come on suddenly? Is it short-lived? If so, it is more likely that your shortness of breath is from anxiety.
If you are unsure whether your shortness of breath is from anxiety, it is important to see a doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and help you to develop a treatment plan for your anxiety.
How to manage shortness of breath from anxiety
There are a number of things you can do to manage shortness of breath from anxiety:
- Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of shortness of breath.
- Exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall health. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help you to identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage anxiety and shortness of breath. There are a number of different medications available, so your doctor can help you to choose the best option for you.
If you have shortness of breath from anxiety, it is important to remember that you are not alone. This is a common symptom of anxiety, and there are a number of things you can do to manage it. If you are struggling to manage your shortness of breath, talk to your doctor. They can help you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
