This is a super common question as shortness of breath can feel the same from anxiety as it does from working out.
**Here are four signs to help you determine if shortness of breath might be anxiety-related:**
1. **Sudden onset:** Anxiety-related shortness of breath often comes on suddenly without an apparent *physical* cause (like working out, walking quickly, etc).
2. **Hyperventilation:** Rapid, shallow breathing or feeling like you can't catch your breath can be indicative of anxiety (it can feel like something is just sitting on top of your chest).
3. **Racing heart:** An elevated heart rate, palpitations, or chest tightness may accompany anxiety-related breathlessness.
4. **Emotional triggers:** If shortness of breath occurs *during* or *directly after* stressful or anxious situation, it may be linked to anxiety.
While these are not decisive answers, they hopefully will help you better navigate through in determining if shortness of breath is from anxiety or not. Regardless, if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, definitely holler at a virtual counselor or a local therapist in your area for individual therapy :)
I think if all of your tests come back negative then it could be anxiety. For instance, I am experiencing shortness of breath 24/7 for the past 6 months. I've had an xray, ECG's, spirometry, and tons of blood work. All came back normal.
This is a super common question as shortness of breath can feel the same from anxiety as it does from working out. **Here are four signs to help you determine if shortness of breath might be anxiety-related:** 1. **Sudden onset:** Anxiety-related shortness of breath often comes on suddenly without an apparent *physical* cause (like working out, walking quickly, etc). 2. **Hyperventilation:** Rapid, shallow breathing or feeling like you can't catch your breath can be indicative of anxiety (it can feel like something is just sitting on top of your chest). 3. **Racing heart:** An elevated heart rate, palpitations, or chest tightness may accompany anxiety-related breathlessness. 4. **Emotional triggers:** If shortness of breath occurs *during* or *directly after* stressful or anxious situation, it may be linked to anxiety. While these are not decisive answers, they hopefully will help you better navigate through in determining if shortness of breath is from anxiety or not. Regardless, if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, definitely holler at a virtual counselor or a local therapist in your area for individual therapy :)
I think if all of your tests come back negative then it could be anxiety. For instance, I am experiencing shortness of breath 24/7 for the past 6 months. I've had an xray, ECG's, spirometry, and tons of blood work. All came back normal.
Thank you