How to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety

As a consultant psychiatrist, I understand that shortness of breath can be a concerning symptom for many people. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety, but it can also be a symptom of other medical conditions.

In this article, I will explain how to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety and provide some tips on how to manage it.

Shortness of Breath and Anxiety

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety. When experiencing anxiety, it can be difficult to tell whether anxiety or another health issue is responsible for the symptoms. This can be especially challenging when the symptoms are severe.

Shortness of breath is one symptom that people with anxiety may experience, but not everyone with anxiety has difficulty breathing. Anxiety can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including:

• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Chills
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Shaking
• Muscle tension
• Rapid breathing

These symptoms occur because of the body’s reaction to stress.The brain reacts to fearful situations with a fight-or-flight response. The heart rate increases to pump blood to the organs faster, readying the muscles for action. It also causes a person to breathe more quickly to provide more oxygen to the muscles. The result can be shortness of breath. Feeling short of breath can make a person feel more anxious. People may suspect that they are having a breathing or heart problem when they notice a symptom of anxiety and this can be distressing to them.

This article explains Anxiety symptoms and suggests ways to manage these. Anxiety – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Other Possible Causes of Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of other medical conditions. Some of the possible causes of shortness of breath include:

• Anemia
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Infection
• Heart failure
• Cardiac tamponade (fluid around the heart)
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Lung cancer

If you are experiencing shortness of breath, it is important to see a medical professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

How to Tell if Shortness of Breath is From Anxiety

It can be difficult to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety or another medical condition. However, there are some signs that can help you determine if anxiety is the cause of your shortness of breath:

• Shortness of breath is sudden and comes on quickly.
• Shortness of breath is not accompanied by chest pain or pressure.
• Shortness of breath is not accompanied by coughing or wheezing.
• Shortness of breath is not accompanied by a fever or chills.
• Shortness of breath is relieved by relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.

If you are experiencing shortness of breath and are unsure if it is from anxiety or another medical condition, it is important to see a medical professional.

How to Manage Shortness of Breath from Anxiety

If you are experiencing shortness of breath from anxiety, there are several things you can do to manage it:

• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Avoid things that worsen anxiety, such as caffeine or alcohol.
• Exercise regularly to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Get enough sleep to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
• Consider therapy or medication to manage anxiety.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety, but it can also be a symptom of other medical conditions. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If your shortness of breath is from anxiety, there are several things you can do to manage it, including practicing relaxation techniques, avoiding triggers, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, seeking support, and considering therapy or medication. Remember, it is important to take care of your mental health and seek help if you need it.