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Having some anxiety, and feeling a little out of my comfort zone.

This is my 1st post here, although I've been a member for a few years and lurk occasionally. I was diagnosed in 2019, by a pulminologist after coping with a chronic cough for a year or so. I have had shortness of breath, muscle weakness and exercise intolerance off and on, as other health issues wax and wane. I have been dealing with chronic illness since the early 90s, Rheumatoid disease since around 2010, plus all those little side things that are as a result of the illnesses, or because of life itself.
That's the background.
I don't feel like I know what an asthma attack is, or feels like. I am on Breo, and the rescue inhaler. I use it when my throat and upper chest (bronchial area) get tight, or if a cough won't go away. There have been 2 episodes that might have been asthma related? I'm not sure. 1 after a sudden burst of physical energy used (immediately had to run to the yard and physically restrain one of my dogs from heading for a not so happy critter). Another when loading some things in my car in oppressive heat, not huge exertion but both times ended up with me sitting, very weak, and heavy, heavy breathing. I was short of breath, but able to deep breath. I felt more like the physical reaction was because I couldn't slow the breathing, and my heart was pounding. I felt like I was going to faint. I do have high blood pressure, but controlled. I did use the inhaler both times, but had to wait a few minutes for the breathing to come under control to do so. Do those sound like asthma attacks? I also have anxiety, and it kind of felt like an axiety attack, but on a much higher level.
Now, to today. It's Sat. I have been off of my blood pressure med and my happy me cocktail (the meds I take to treat severe chronic depression and anxiety) for several days in prep for a dysautonomia test on Monday. I can't use the albuteral after tonight. I have used it more than usual in the last week, the anxiety seems to trigger the asthma. Exercise intolerance is off the charts, just doing some dishes is exhausting.
This afternoon, while laying down I checked my O2, it was low 90s, I was only able to get it up to mid. My heart rate wouldn't drop below 85, I usually run mid-low 70s, but I am off the beta blockers. Laying there I was cursing dishes (and that I still have to haul laundry baskets around) and basically letting the anxiety run wild.
It reminded me I've been meaning to reach out and ask what does an asthma attack really feel like? When my anxiety gets bad it can cause the tightness and shortness of breath, but maybe I'm blaming asthma attacks on anxiety?
I feel like I'm rambling on. I think I just need a there-there, I'll get thru all of this (only a couple of more days) and a reminder that I have the best neighbors, they know what's going on (I live alone) and are instantly reachable.

My name is Penny, btw, I don't know how to change the name here. I didn't find it under update profile.

  1. Hi Penny, I'm glad that you have reached out after quietly reading posts and comments. I do hope that along the way you have learned a lot and felt a sense of community and that you are not alone. Anxiety and asthma have a special relationship (as you may well know). I'm linking a few articles from our website that review similar symptoms to those that you are experiencing. I do hope that you find these articles helpful.
    How Can I Tell If It's Asthma or Anxiety? Could It Be Both?
    Anxiety and Asthma: How Are They Linked?

    Best of luck at your upcoming appointment. -Lauren (team member)

  2. Hi, Penny. I wanted to respond to this a few days ago but time got away from me. How are you feeling since you posted all this? Asthma can feel different from person to person. Some people cough, other people wheeze. Anxiety is such a wild card (I have it too) -- it can make it really hard to figure out what's what, especially when you're having chest pains or trouble breathing!

    Lauren gave you some good articles. These might help too.

    https://asthma.net/living/what-does-an-attack-feel-like
    https://asthma.net/answers/what-attack-feels-like

    Do these feel like you? What guidance have you gotten from your doctor? There seems to be many different factors in play in your situation. I'm glad you're doing dysautonomia testing because that can mess with so much in your body as well.

    Keep us posted. I'm glad the site has been a help for you and that you decided to post! Have a happy new year. -Melissa, team member

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