Are my symptoms actually caused by anxiety?
Cough, wheeze, shallow...
Hello again. Yesterday my primary Dr confirmed that I have COPD, based on the results of my PFTs from a week ago. After that appointment, I was quite short of breath for the rest of the day. This morning is even scarier as I'm short of breath, I'm wheezing, and my full inhale is rather shallow.
Could all three symptoms be anxiety or COPD?
I'm just wanting some feedback regarding whether or not anxiety can cause all 3 problems. I'm not asking for a diagnosis, just a little feedback. I'm leaning towards yes, but I also know from experience with other illnesses that I have are very physical and only exacerbated by anxiety. I'm so grateful for this website. Thanks to all that maintain it.
HI PlainDave - I'm sorry about your recent diagnosis of COPD, but I'm so happy you've found this site. I know you'll benefit a lot from it.
As you may already know, anxiety is very common with COPD. It is not unusual at all to experience what you are. Shortness of breath especially can be a result of anxiety/panic. Please make sure you speak to your doctor about it.
Remember, everyone experiences symptoms differently, so it's very important that you have frank conversations with your doctor about everything you're feeling and going through. They'll be the best to determine if this is anxiety related, COPD related, or a combination of both.
In the meantime, here's an article you may or may not have read, but I thought it was appropriate. https://copd.net/clinical/links-with-anxiety/
Take care and have a safe and happy start to the new year!
Lyn (site moderator)Thanks, Lyn, for the reply and info. Shortly after I posted my message Saturday, I had a major COPD flare-up. I spent the next 2 days in the hospital receiving breathing treatments and Sol-U medrol injections. I didn't know that I could have flare-ups of COPD, but now I know. I am now on nebulizer breathing treatments and other changes to my meds. Thanks again for this website.
Hi again, PlainDave, and thanks so much for your response to my colleague, Lyn.
I'm so sorry to hear you had an flare up on Saturday and were hospitalized for it. The post that you referred to from Saturday, you can find here: https://copd.net/living/progress-can-be-slowed/comment-page-1/#comment-11064. I was able to respond to you there however, with your flare up and hospitalization, you may not have had time to see it.
As you now are aware, flare-ups or exacerbations, can affect people who have COPD. I thought you might gain some additional insight from this article on the very same topic: https://copd.net/basics/acute-exacerbations/. I do hope you find it to be helpful.
Now that you are home from the hospital, how are you feeling?
I want to take this time to wish you a healthy and peaceful New Year season. We're so glad to have you as a member of this online community.
Warmest regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Hi PlainDave - I'm so sorry to hear about your hospital stay and exacerbation. I hope that with a good medication routine you'll be on your feet again and feel much better. I'll be thinking of you!
Lyn (site moderator)Hi Leon, and thanks for the reply and info. I'm feeling much better now after being discharged from the hospital. I'm now doing breathing treatments and taking prednisone, as well as the Advair generic. Interestingly, they actually called it "acute exacerbation of COPD", just like the article link you gave me. Gotta go for now. Thanks again for the website and replies.
We are so glad to hear you are feeling better
. Happy New Year- keep us posted on your progress. ~Melanie (COPD.net team member) Hi again, PlainDave, and thanks for your reply and explanation.
Glad you found the article to be helpful to read.
So glad to hear you're doing better now at home.
Wishing you a healthy and peaceful New Year season.
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
