Whether you have minor bouts of anxiety, or experience full-fledged anxiety attacks from an anxiety disorder, you may have anxiety-induced breathlessness. People with mood disorders, chronic depression or addiction issues have a greater potential of feeling short of breath as well as other physical symptoms in association with anxiety. If you have extreme or frequent problems with breathing due to anxiety, seek professional help from a doctor or a therapist.
Factors Pertaining to Breathing Problems
The MedlinePlus guide to breathing difficulty points out several factors associated with breathlessness that could figure into your ultimate treatment. Note the frequency and duration of breathless episodes. Gauge how hard you have to work to breathe. Note if you make grunting or whistling sounds as you breathe. Attempt to identify the context of the episode, and any potential triggers. Compare episodes to get a sense of the problem worsening or improving, and if they follow they exact same sequence. Identify significant periods of shortness of breath, such as those that wake you from sleep or those that occur while you are at rest. Consider your body position prior to and during the episode. Note any other physical or emotional symptoms you experience while breathless.
Panic Disorders
Panic disorders, a subset of anxiety disorders, have symptoms related to breathing as well as other physical and emotional symptoms. During a panic attack, which typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, you may experience shortness of breath or the sensation of being smothered. You may feel choking, numbness or dizziness. Treatment for panic disorders may follow a similar sequence as treatment for anxiety disorders.
Women and Anxiety
The University of Maryland Medical Center's guide to anxiety disorders points out that women more frequently experience shortness of breath as a symptom or result of anxiety than men. Episodes of breathlessness may accompany related sensations such as dizziness, nausea and the sense of being smothered. Conversely, men more likely experience anxiety-induced abdominal pain and sweating.
Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic.com's guide to generalized anxiety disorder, some home treatments may help anxiety-induced breathlessness subside. In general, avoid triggers when possible. Train yourself to breathe deeply and regularly by doing breathing exercises, meditating, yoga or vigorous exercise. Make sure to get enough rest, and reduce the amount of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and sugar you consume. Medical treatments for symptoms include antidepressants, buspirone and benzodiazepines.
