How I Recover From Panic Breathing

By Jeff Collings

1 min read

Tips on how to recover from panic breathing include using a pulse oximeter, pursed-lip breathing, using a rescue inhaler, and more.

Interested in trying some breathing exercises? Click the button below to give it a go!

Breathing Exercises

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

mikern Member
So glad to hear I am not the only one that has that experience. I thought it was just me and my anxiety disorder, so beneficial Jeff, made my day.
1. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mikern" user-id="2453664"/> that's awesome to hear your spirits have been lifted. When it feels like we can't breathe, the body dumps adrenaline into our system of nervous energy to fight or flight. So for us it turns into an Anxiety Panic Attack! We are never going to be able to stop them 100%, but if we have a plan of what to do, that always made me feel better. Together we learn and get stronger. Please let us know how your doing and I know you will get through the next one much easier. Jeff (COPD.net Team)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="mikern" user-id="2453664"/> Hi again, mikern, and thanks for chiming in here as well. I think you'll find that one is rarely, if ever, alone in our online community. It's always beneficial to speak with others about shared experiences. I feel it contributes 'big time' to a feeling and sense of community. We value both your input and your feedback here. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
nbsp Member
This was excellent, Jeff. I liked hearing from another COPDer, and the video format made it even more relatable. And I'll remember seeing and hearing you tell me that I will get through it will, I'm sure, be comforting when the next panic comes. Now if I could figure out how to tell my husband nicely that excessive "coaching" doesn't necessarily help. He means well, but sometimes I need a moment of quiet and a hand to hold. And I may soon be ordering Depends.
1. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="hogdaddy" user-id="2428874"/> thats awesome you are doing better and congratulations on quitting smoking. That is the first big hurdle for most of us to get past. It's totally up to you, but what are you doing that is helping your improvement would you say? We always love to hear success stories that help others through their journey. Thank you for the kind words today and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Jeff (COPD.net Team)
2. hogdaddy Member
 <inline-mention username="Jeffrey J Collings" user-id="2436114"/> Hi Jeff, I have a fitbit and I do the 10,000 steps a day thing. Plus the best thing is 5 power walks per week and I take off on Saturdays. Sometimes I get my bpm up to 166. I am 68 and soon to be 69 and I feel I am healed in Jesus name. I weighed 140 when I graduated from HS and weigh 136 now. I thank God and my Lord Jesus for helping me in all this. I will pray for you Jeff and for your healing as well. Oh, ps...8 years not smoking! Thank God!
nbsp Member
Jeff, I am now "following" you. Do I go to Facebook for that?
1. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="nbsp" user-id="2416867"/> <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> has Facebook., Twitter accounts as well as the main website. If you go on your profile you can search the name of people you would like to follow and then be notified. So you can do whatever you like best to follow. Hope you have a wonderful day. Jeff (COPD.net Team)
mikern Member
I do exactly as you describe, works for me. I have had anxiety attacks my entire life, long before my COPD. Just wasn’t sure if other ha@d@ the same reaction as I do. I am a gay man, I was reprimanded once in a forum on the COPD foundation site for saying I was gay and our support system is different. I was told this isn’t a sex sight, it was odd. So I left the support site and never went back. Saying your gay is not talking about sex, somebody has some guilt issues over there.
1. mikern Member
 @Janet Plank. Hi Janet, Thanks for the message and the link. The link is a great article for those trying to understand what is happening to them in regards to their panic attacks. I have had them long before I was diagnosed with COPD, I had them as a child. No matter how long one has had panic attacks or the level of knowledge one has of why they occur, they still continue even with medication. It is the nature of the beast. You said you understand being gay “somewhat”. The only thing to understand is that two people can love each other irregardless of their assigned sex. I have been with my husband 44 years, we have owned homes, raised a child together and have grandchildren. Not sure what you mean by “somewhat” but if I can help let me know. Thank you for your acceptance into the group, I just hope some day there is a COPD group that is open to all. I am a lucky one, many gay people don’t have families or people that love and support them. Maybe I will start one. Thanks again. Mike 
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="mikern" user-id="2453664"/> Hi Mikern, and thanks for your candor. As my colleagues have said, I too am sorry you were treated the way you described on he other forum. That is an outrage! Please know you are always welcome here in our online community. If there is anything we can do to assist you - you will see, we have many team members, advocates, moderators and member peers all pitching in with support for one another. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
mikern Member
thx
me308699 Member
I use music every night to fall asleep, only way I can.
1. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="me308699" user-id="2458964"/> that sounds great as this is common to have something for white noise. I use a thunderstorm with rain App for the same purpose. Thank you for adding to the conversation. Jeff (COPD.net Team)
Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="johnmarshall" user-id="2437967"/> <inline-mention username="Alesandra Bevilacqua" user-id="2402357"/> please pass along a huge thank you to I.T/Creative for giving my Video meme some muscular arms!! I'm living vicariously through this sketch now. HaHa 😉
ruthir Member
I hav e not comm m ented beforee o n he r e because itt is too hard totype. I must have fat.<inline-mention username="hogdaddy" user-id="2428874"/> 
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="ruthir" user-id="2477204"/> I hear how difficult typing can be but we are glad to have you participate in whatever way you are able! All the best, Sam S. (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member).