Asthma vs anxiety

Over the years I've had both and can definitley tell the difference.  Perhaps the key thing with an asthma attack for me is that it responds to my ventolin inhaler whereas an anxiety attack doesn't.  But thats just me, we are all different.  One thing I do know is that an asthma attack can bring on anxiety sometimes for soem people, so its perhaps not that clear cut.

Hope you are OK

xxxxx

My Consultant of respiratory (also a Professor) medicine shared with me that factor, that there is a link between the two-asthma-stress.

Stress being a factor that could bring on asthma, not the other way around.

Your anxiety sounds like a problem to you, like 'tinytitch' suggested go and visit a qualified practice nurse re: asthma or your own GP, they will reassure you.

The sooner your fears are sorted then your stress levels will lower and therefore avoiding high blood pressure...

Being in a highly anxious state can raise your blood pressure, so have a 'yearly review,' that is offered by all GP's, NOW for all issues eg - 'Chlorestrol' etc.

Take care, co-incidentally my review starts tomorrow with a fasting to-night after 10pm and a blood test tomorrow morning for, as mentioned 'Chlorestrol, then an appt with my doctor for the results in a weeks time ..Q.E.D X'

tinytitch if the anxiety is getting out of hand and you go to bed worrying, and also wake up in a state of stress ask to see your GP, for a referral to one of many options for counselling, you do not have to go on this anxious journey without professional help..it is out there.

Take good care.

Helen x

I think going forward I will use the blue inhaler when im feeling a bit off in the hope it will help.

I've also booked an appointment to see the asthma nurse for next Tuesday to tell her my fears (once again).

In regards to medication for my anxiety I was prescribed fluoxetine but I didnt want to rely on medication to make me feel better so haven't taken them.

I'm currently having CBT therapy and hoping that will help.

I admit I am stressed and get easily stressed and worried which probably isn't good for my health. I always seem to worry about things which have yet to happen.

I just want to be 'normal' again where illness didn't ruin or control my life - I hardly go work now, need someone with me whenever I go out etc xx

Asthma and anxiety are similar, especially if your anxiety turns into panic attacks and/or causes physical symptoms as well as fear. With asthma i typically have the shortness of breath where my airways feel constricted breathing in and out and i wheeze. With anxiety i feel worried and stress over every little detail and don't like going out. When anxiety starts turning into a panic attack, i get the anxiety symptoms plus chest tightness, rapid heart beat, sometimes nausea and/or vomiting and dizziness or tunnel vission. Also sometimes I will hyperventilate with dizziness and tingling in my face typically beginning with my mouth. There is another similar issue that can be mistaken for asthma or anxiety especially since it can go along with anxiety and looks a lot like exercise enduced asthma. It's called hyperventilation syndrome. It differs from exercise induced asthma in that an inhaler won't work and can actually exasperate the problem and you don't have the restricted airways but rather it feels lije yoy can't get enough air and breathing is rapid and deep. Can get too much air in your lungs that feels uncomfortable inspite of still feeling like you dont have enough air. I'd ask your doctor hyperventilation syndrome could be a possibility.