How common is shortness of breath in generalised anxiety disorder?

During anxiety, the body can shift into a heightened alert state. Breathing may become faster, shallower or harder to control, producing air hunger, chest tightness, light-headedness, tingling or a sense that a full breath is difficult. With generalised anxiety disorder, worry may be persistent and physical symptoms can flare during stressful periods. The sensations are real, even when anxiety contributes to them.

Move to a quieter space if possible, loosen restrictive clothing and sit with both feet supported. Try allowing the out-breath to be gentle and a little longer than the in-breath, without forcing deep breaths. Make a note of when symptoms happen, what you were doing and associated symptoms. A clinician can check for physical causes and discuss treatments for anxiety, which may include talking therapies, self-management strategies or medicine when appropriate.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden or severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, blue or grey lips, confusion, coughing up blood, or symptoms after a serious allergic reaction. Arrange prompt assessment for breathlessness that is new, persists, occurs with exercise, wakes you from sleep, or differs from your familiar anxiety symptoms. These features need medical evaluation even if you also feel anxious.

Ask what other causes should be considered, whether any examination or tests are useful, and how to tell your usual anxiety symptoms from a change that needs review. You could also ask about breathing-focused strategies and local mental-health support.