Tightness in chest, shortness of breath, anxiety?

Posted , 5 users are following.

About 2 weeks ago I started having this sensation that I was hyperventilating and I got a tightness/soreness in my chest. This feeling makes me panic because I feel like I can't get a deep enough of a breath. The feeling comes and goes. Some days are worse than others, but this is definitely taking a toll on me. This whole thing came out of nowhere with no warning. I've been to the doctor and they pretty much said I was as healthy as ever, no problems with my heart or lungs. They ended up saying it was anxiety and prescribed me zoloft. I would consider myself an anxious person but I know what severe anxiety feels like, I've dealt with it and beat it. This doesn't feel like that. Since then I've made a trip to the Er and they said the same thing.. anxiety. Any opinions or insight would be greatly appreciated

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Practice deep belly breathing. It helps so much! ??

    I'm not minimizing the shortness of breath. Ive been there and its scary as hell. But we can control our breathing. Trust me! 😌

  • Posted

    I'm going through similar symptoms like you I've been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety & about a Week ago I Just Started Having Pressure on my Chest & Chest Tightness along with Pain On my left side of my chest. Sometimes I Feel like I'm out of Breath Too it comes and goes. I just Learned Today that Doing deep belly breathing works just fine it gives me some temporary relief.

  • Posted

    Hi Duncan. Sorry you're having these problems. My wife and I both have anxiety issues and both have similar experiences to yours. My wife's family has a history of heart problems, so we have been to the doctor several times about it and they always come back thinking it's anxiety. I am not a medical expert, but if the doctors think your heart and lungs are healthy, that's good. It could very well be anxiety. I really hope you start to feel better soon.

  • Posted

    Hi duncan, I think anxiety is the worst thing.  It started the same as yours, out of nowhere.  My doc just increased my meds of prozac from 10mg which i was on for years to 20mg.  I have been on them for almost 6 weeks and I don't feel any better.  I'm going to give it a little more time and see what happens. The feelings you have are the same ones I have.  Seems to be a work in progress.  Hope you find some relief soon.

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