Shortness of breath and anxiety

Fear or stress can activate the body's alarm response. Breathing may become faster, chest muscles may tighten, and over-breathing can cause tingling, light-headedness or a feeling that you cannot get a satisfying breath. Anxiety can amplify normal sensations, yet breathlessness can also accompany asthma, anaemia, angina or heart-rhythm problems. A pattern linked to worry does not by itself prove the cause.

Stop exertion and sit comfortably with your shoulders relaxed. Breathe gently through your nose if comfortable, allowing the out-breath to be unhurried; avoid repeatedly taking large forced breaths. Name the trigger and record how long the episode lasts, what symptoms accompany it and whether it improves with calming. Arrange a medical review for first-time, persistent or recurring breathlessness, especially if exercise brings it on.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, severe chest pressure, or symptoms that began suddenly. Urgent assessment is also needed for breathlessness with facial swelling, a new irregular heartbeat, coughing blood or marked weakness. Anxiety and a medical problem can occur together, so improvement with reassurance does not cancel warning signs.

Ask which examinations may rule out heart or lung causes, how to distinguish panic symptoms from warning signs, and whether breathing exercises or talking therapy could help.