Anxiety results from the perception of a threatening situation. It is a normal emotion that serves to arouse the body in preparation for defense. Experiencing anxiety sets off a cascade of physiological effects, beginning with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" response. This causes muscle tension, nausea and shortness of breath, explains the website Familydoctor.org.
Increased Belching and Flatulence
The shortness of breath and increased rate of respiration that accompany anxiety can lead to swallowing more air. The Mayo Clinic explains that the swallowed air gets trapped in the digestive tract causing bloating and abdominal pain. Relief is experienced when the air is expelled through belching and flatulence.
Dizziness, Light-Headedness and Confusion
The Medical Encyclopedia at MedlinePlus explains that the breathing habits of anxiety sufferers can cause the body's blood chemistry to change. This can cause feelings of dizziness or light-headedness. It may also cause difficulty concentrating and confusion.
Chest Pain, Sweating and Tingling Arms
Another consequence of hyperventilation is chest pain, according to The Medical Encyclopedia at MedlinePlus. Tingling or numbness in the arms are other symptoms associated with over-breathing. The text "Goodwin and Guze's Psychiatric Diagnosis" describes a sensation of smothering or choking that often accompanies anxiety. Additionally, sympathetic nervous system activation in response to anxious feelings may cause sweating.
Other Causes of Shortness of Breath
While shortness of breath is often caused by anxiety, there are other diseases and disorders that can also cause uncomfortable respiration. MedlinePlus lists cardiac disease, bleeding, pneumonia, blood infection, lung disease and metabolic disorders among the potential causes for hyperventilation. Whether caused by anxiety or some other condition, the website Familydoctor.org recommends seeking medical treatment if shortness of breath lasts more than a few minutes.
References
- Familydoctor.org: Anxiety and Panic
- Hyperventilation: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- MayoClinic.com: Bloating, Belching and intestinal gas
- Familydoctor.org: Shortness of Breath
- "Goodwin and Guze's Psychiatric Diagnosis (Sixth Edition)"; Carol S. North, MD, MPE and Sean H. Yutzy, MD; 2010
