When to worry about shortness of breath with generalised anxiety disorder

Anxiety can change breathing speed and depth, causing a feeling of air hunger, chest tightness, tingling, or a racing heartbeat. It may arise during worry and ease as the body settles. Similar sensations can come from asthma, infection, anaemia, heart problems, or other causes. A familiar pattern is not proof that a new episode has the same cause.

Sit somewhere safe and upright, relax your shoulders, and breathe gently without forcing deep breaths. Try grounding by naming what you can see and hear. Use an anxiety plan or prescribed medicine only as directed. Arrange a medical review if episodes are new, more frequent, lasting longer, or affecting activity, sleep, or eating.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, sudden chest pain, or symptoms that begin abruptly and do not settle. Seek prompt medical advice for breathlessness with fever, wheezing, leg swelling, or a racing or irregular heartbeat. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

Ask how to distinguish your usual anxiety symptoms from warning signs, whether your lungs and heart need checking, and which breathing exercises are suitable. Discuss a plan for episodes that includes who to contact and how quickly.