Stress Center Peer Support

Ok I have asthma I really never had a bad asthma attack but when I get a pa I think its an asthma attack how do u tell the difference. Just been diagnosed with asthma had pa all my life. So I also concentrate on my breathing alot does anyone have the same problem.

Hi J,

I was diagnosed with asthma many years ago and I am now realizing that I have had anxiety all of my life and having panic attacks for about 4 and a half years. I am on Session 3.

I hadn't been on any of my inhalers for over 10 years when I had a really bad panic/asthma attack. I was diagnosed with an asthma attack but they also gave me some Ativan (anti anxiety med) at the same time as the asthma med. So, which one really worked? I am not sure and, I don't really care, water under the bridge...today is a new day.

I am on one puff of a steroid inhaler per day now and haven't had a lung infection in a while.

There is a method called Buteyko that claims to resolve asthma in people who follow it. It is a breathing method. Although I haven't looked into it, I suspect it is similar to the 2-4 breathing.

I was deficient in magnesium and Omega 3's, which most asthmatics are. I haven't had a lung function test in a couple of years and will probably go again during the spring season as I think it's best to get tested at your worst.

It is hard to tell whether it is asthma or panic initially as the symptoms mimic each other somewhat but, you will get to know your asthma triggers just like you know your anxiety triggers.

From what I understand, a lot of asthmatics also have panic attacks. You are not alone.

Good nutrition, exercise, lots of sleep and cautious supplementation along with your doc's advice are usually standard.

I know a few "bad" asthmatics and usually, in my experience anyway, I can't talk myself out of an asthma attack but, even with asthma if you can slow down your breathing it helps so much.

And, I have used rosemary essential oil with great success. It helps and heals the lungs from what I understand. A few drops in a pot of hot water...steam inhalation.

I will say a prayer for you...may God bless you.

"To love anyone is nothing else than to wish that person good." Thomas Aquinas