Is this normal??

Twiggy21 · Post by **Twiggy21** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:27 am

When I get really anxious, my throat feels like it is blocked and air can barely come through. Can anyone relate or should I go to the doctor?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:52 am

Hi Twiggy 21,

Yes, yes, yes, I can relate...totally!

My throat also gets itchy and I do have some allergies so it really freaks me out sometimes. It feels like just how you are describing.

I also have post-nasal drip though and I found some wonderful information about this and how that can cause itchy throat so that has comforted me alot.

Since Session 2 I have done the 2-4 breathing whenever this happens and I chew gum or suck on a candy to try to keep the moisture in my mouth.

Have you ever not been able to catch your breath or does it just feel like it? Since Session 2 I just tell myself...ok, this has happened before, you didn't die, just breathe and let it pass. And, I pray the Our Father...usually. Repetition is good for a distraction and I love to connect spiritually.

I was having an issue with chest pains many years ago and after numerous tests it was discovered that I have what docs are calling "mild asthma". But I usually feel that in my lungs and not my throat. The asthma is so non existent now that I am trying to find a new word for it and not label it.

A visit to the doctor is not a bad idea especially if you have not been for a while.

I am very happy you asked...you have so much courage to describe your experience.

"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend" Robert Louis Stevenson

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 8:54 am

Thank you for replying. Its nice to know someone shares this experience. I have also been doing the breathing and reminding myself that it isnt going to kill me. Ive never actually been unable to catch my breath. It doesnt seem to be in my chest, just in my throat. Also, my tongue starts feeling swollen or tense or something...I know it sounds a little wierd but, thats the way it is!
Thanks again for reading my post and offering your input!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:54 am

Hi. Yes, that surely is something so many people have a problem with here. If you go back through old posts, you will find you have enormous company. Some tips, too, that might help. I believe sipping water helps more than most other things. But, you have to find what works. Water makes your swallow muscles work. Warm water helps them relax.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:21 pm

I have had difficulties with this as well. I am a Lector at church. Several years ago, I was in the middle of a Reading and somebody looked at me funny which sent me into a panic attack. Suddenly I couldn't breathe and my throat got tight. No words would come out and I couldn't get any air. I thought I was gonna die right on the spot. But, luckily, I did some quick positive thought reinforcement and some relaxation exercises and got back to the Reading. I didn't fall over dead. Thank Goodness! But, you definitely are not alone. The thing that helps me most is the relaxation techniques and just trying to remain calm by doing positive self-talk. Hang in there!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:41 am

Yes that is normal in anxiety!!!

I had that happen to me in a really big mall and I really thought I was going to loose my air and die there, but the fact of the matter is it is just one of the many anxiety symptoms. In fact when I started to think about it, I found I was breathing normally despite the feeling of the throat closing. I hope this gives you more peace of mind.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:57 am

I have the same feeling constantly, sometimes it does get better, but most of the time I feel like my throat is going to close. I have just received the package last night and I have not started the program yet, I am feeling a little skeptical but I just don't know what else to do, and I am just so tired of feeling this way. I am hoping for the best and that this feeling along with many others will one day disappear and I will be able to feel normal.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:02 pm

The most important thing to do when starting this program ACP is having an open and optimistic mind about this as you start it. Think with a positive attitude as you start to go through it and listen attently to what it tells you. You will see that it will help you, believe me it has helped me a lot!