How to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety or not depends on other symptoms that could indicate medical concerns. Shortness of breath is a symptom of several physical health conditions as well as anxiety disorders. So, you need to consider what else is going on at the moment to determine the cause of shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath can be a sign of a panic attack or anxiety disorder. If you struggle with anxiety, mental health treatment can help you learn ways to cope with your symptoms. Visit Tampa Bay Recovery Center today for treatment options and support.
How Can I Tell if My Shortness of Breath is From Anxiety?
You can tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety if it accompanies other symptoms of anxiety. In addition, you also need to rule out potential medical causes. So, let’s first consider what else could be causing shortness of breath.
What Else Could Cause Shortness of Breath?
The American Lung Association points out some of the most common causes of shortness of breath. First and foremost, sometimes you can expect shortness of breath from strenuous exercise, poor air quality, obesity, or high altitude. This is usually normal, even for relatively healthy people.
But, sometimes, shortness of breath is due to medical conditions, such as:
- Low blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung diseases
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- COVID-19
To rule out medical causes, you need to discuss your symptoms with a doctor.
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Shortness of Breath?
If you have shortness of breath frequently, you should seek medical attention to learn the cause. Sometimes, you notice a change—like getting short of breath after climbing stairs when you normally don’t. This could be a sign that you have a respiratory infection or developed a chronic lung condition.
Additionally, if shortness of breath accompanies chest pain, fainting, or nausea, you need to get medical care immediately. This could be a sign of a heart attack or other life-threatening condition. However, in some cases, shortness of breath with chest pain and nausea could be a panic attack. Regardless, you won’t know the cause until you get treatment.
What Are Signs of Anxiety?
Understanding the signs of anxiety can help you tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety. However, it is important that you don’t overlook life-threatening medical causes—especially if shortness of breath is sudden and unexpected. As mentioned previously, it is best to rule out medical causes before looking at psychological causes.
In addition to shortness of breath, the following are signs and symptoms of anxiety (note that several of these signs and symptoms can overlap medical conditions):
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth and difficulty speaking
- Sweating and chills
- Muscle tension
- Shaking
- Irritability and agitation
- Excessive worry
- Intense feelings of dread
- Digestive problems
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Restlessness and trouble sleeping
With anxiety disorders, these symptoms occur after something triggers you. Furthermore, there are different types of anxiety disorders. In general, the types of anxiety disorders are differentiated based on what triggers your symptoms.
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?
The following are different types of anxiety disorders, based on specific triggers as well as additional symptoms:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) means that your symptoms appear without specific triggers. In other words, it is as if you are overwhelmed by life in general.
- Social Anxiety is triggered by social situations or anticipating them. This type of anxiety is driven by an irrational fear of being ridiculed, judged, embarrassed, or criticized.
- Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden, overwhelming physical sensation that causes shortness of breath, sweating, and a tightening chest.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. Obsessions in people with OCD can cause significant distress and anxiety. The person then engages in compulsive behaviors to relieve their anxiety.
- Specific Phobias refer to external triggers of intense anxiety. While everyone is afraid of something, a person with an anxiety disorder driven by a specific phobia fears encountering their triggers regardless of how unlikely it is.
How Can I Deal With Shortness of Breath From Anxiety?
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety. Therefore, it is helpful to know ways to cope with this symptom. As an additional benefit, these techniques will help with other symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being.
Holistic techniques to cope with shortness of breath include:
- Deep breathing: Breathing is an involuntary bodily function. However, you can regain control over your breath by focusing on deep breaths. Slow down and try to fill your lungs completely and exhale fully.
- Grounding techniques: These techniques can help you focus in the moment. Oftentimes, anxiety causes you to fixate on the anticipation of your triggers. By grounding yourself in the moment, you can direct your thoughts to the present. These techniques include holding an ice cube, listening to music, stretching, and focusing your senses on something in your environment.
- Mindfulness: Both grounding and breathwork can be a form of mindfulness. Essentially, you are directing your thoughts to the present moment. You are also allowing thoughts to come and go without judgment. This can help you let go of anxious thoughts by simply acknowledging their existence without trying to control them.
Getting Help for Anxiety Disorders in Tampa
It can be difficult to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety or not. You need to consider other potential causes and conditions that could result in the same symptom. However, if you have shortness of breath from anxiety, there are several treatment options available to relieve your symptoms.
Contact Tampa Bay Recovery Center today to get help for anxiety.
