Panic Attacks Support Group
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...
I have COPD. Newly diagnosed. I have had about 10 episodes when I couldn't breathe because I was exerting myself then it seems to turn into a panic attack. I am not positive. I can't breathe. It is the most horrible feeling that I ever have had. The first one we called 911. I now tell myself that I won't die that I will pass out first.
I do not have COPD, but do have a hiatal hernia which when aggravated can cause shortness of breath...which of course brings on anxiety.
Does your doctor know you have panic attacks, on top of copd? I would certainly talk to them. Maybe they can give you more definitive symptoms, so you will know the difference.
Good luck to you!.
It could be both. Are you prone to panic attacks? Like you, I have COPD but I've also been struggling with panic attacks for years. It sounds to me like your breathing problem is setting off the panic.
I had to teach myself about panic attacks, what happens to the body, worst case scenario etc knowing more about them I learned what to expect and this eased the fear. Not running to the hospital when one began was something I had to teach myself to do, I talked to myself, breathe, keep breathing you will get through this. And most importantly I joined this site and the people on here know more about panic attacks than anyone else ever will. Trust them they understand you, and they are all still standing, breathing and living. XX