persistent chest chest tightness due to anxiety can anyone help?

Posted , 5 users are following.

I've suffered from anxiety for years but over the last year have had this horrible chest tightness, not been able to get a full breath, waking up in middle of night gasping for breath. Had chest x-ray etc nothing wrong. Does anyone know how I can help this? It's really scary

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    Am suffering with this is on and off too today has been really bad that I've cried out of frustration as it's been long journey with anxiety and everytime a think am getting a glimpse of hope another symptom creeps in if a don't feel physically anxious I have anxiety symptoms that make me anxious a just can't win!! So a really feel your pain a haven't had X-rays of my chest or anything but had bloods blood pressure checked and my heart listenend too and always say am fine... I too feel like a can't get a good Breath and just generally like an elephant is sitting on my chest... hope you feel better am currently holding a hot water bottle to my chest in hopes of some relief sometimes the warmth comforts me 

    • Posted

      Hey heather. Its horrendous. Nearly got hubby to take me to e & a last nite. Then I thought if ur having really that ill u would pass out. It's a nightmare

  • Posted

    I have been experiencing the same symptoms for about 7 weeks now. It is the worst feeling in the world.  I feel like my chest is frozen and i cant take a breath. It feels worst when i try to take a deep breath.  I cant feel my breath sometimes, i cant feel me chest expanding, i too have had chest X-rays, stress test, and holster 24 hr test on top of multiple blood test including a CO2 test which came back at 98% oxygen intake, all test are normal.  Ive had several people tell me its anxiety including my drs.  I had a major anxiety attack on friday so the breathing problem right now is really bad. But youre not alone, hang in there, for me it gets better when i relax and calm down.  Raising my arms over my head helps too and doing childs pose.  
    • Posted

      It's scary. I keep trying to ignore the physical symptoms but it's not easy. I don't even know why or what caused this

  • Posted

    Hiya, I suffer with anxiety and can totally relate to this. On top of that heart palpitations. Everything been checked and im healthy. Its just this stupid anxiety. So you are not alone😘😘 I tend to fall asleep on my tummy and it brings me some relief. And I try not to concentrate on symptoms so much cause it makes things worse.😘

    • Posted

      I try too but when u wake him n the night trying to get a breath it's really scary

    • Posted

      It is scary I know. Anxiety sucks. How old are you ? Maybe you suffeeing with sleep apnea ?
  • Posted

    Hi moira

    I have suffered with this anxiety symptom for years but it has got better since doing breathing exercises and learning how to breathe properly. Most people with anxiety 'chest breathe' in that they dont fill their lungs right up and their stomach doesnt rise when they take a breath. Lie down and put your hand on your stomach. Take a breath and see of your hand rises. If not then you are not breathing correctly, which is common in anxiety sufferes. Youtube or internet will give you exercises so you can retrain yourself to breathe correctly. But basically of you put your hand on your tummy it should rise and fall with each breath. Its difficult at first if your body has become used to 'chest breathing' but stick with it and your symptoms of not being able to take a full breath will get better xx

    • Posted

      I breath from my chest and think my body has got into this bad habit which is hard to break
  • Posted

    Hi moira

    Many people breathe from chest, its very common in both anxiety and non anxiety sufferers. It is a hard habit to but if you make a conscious effort to breathe correctly and train yourself to breathe correctly it stops that awful feeling that you cant take a deep breath or get enough air. Breathing exercises can also calm you down when you are having an anxiety attack. Try it and see how you go x

    • Posted

      Thanks Jen. Just got in from work. I'll check on net for breathing exercises and see if this helps

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