Can Shortness of Breath Cause a Panic Attack? - An Appraisal
Almost anyone knows that panic attack can cause a shortness of breath, but now many researchers inquire whether shortness of breath can cause a panic attack too. Evidence shows when someone is unable to control his breathing pattern, it exacerbates the condition, leading the individual to experience more worsening form of anxiety. Hence, it can be concluded while panic attack can cause a shortness of breath, the inadequate control over breathing pattern or shortness of breath leads people to experience intensified panic attack in turn. When people perceive that they can not breathe adequately, this turns them to experience more anxiety in return.
Shortness of Breath or Panic Attack: Which Comes First?
While you are in sleep, you may experience a shortness of breath due to several reasons such as asthma, allergies, heart attack, lung disease, obesity, panic attack and many more. However, when the reason for shortness of breath is something different than panic attack itself, the shortness of breath can still cause a panic attack with assuming a perceived danger. On the other hand, the panic attack can certainly cause a shortness of breath as an integral and unavoidable symptom of the condition in question. Hence, it implies both the conditions influence the other one. Probably, both are present simultaneously since you can not simply avoid experiencing panic attack when you are having shortness of breath and vice versa. So, there is no condition in which you can experience only one but not the other.
Take a Control of Yourself
When you encounter shortness of breath during your panic attack, you should find out a position or an appropriate posture in which your breathing muscles can function effectively. The panic attack can cause a severe shortness of breath, if you try lying down on the bed or somewhere else. Sit comfortably in a chair and rest your arm on a table or you may place your arm over the lap. Slowly breathe and take longer time to release. Breathe from your abdomen. As soon as you can take a hold on your breathing, you now begin to relax all the muscles that may not be directly involved in breathing. Don't force yourself. Do everything slowly and smoothly. Think positively, don't let your faith go away from yourself, believe you can make it, and everything will be passed down soon. Remember, you should continuously deliver yourself positive messages that help you to calm down and restore your breathing pattern to normal.
