Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Excessive yawning can often be an indicator of fatigue. Both physical as well as mental fatigue or stress can cause this. Your other symptom of 'taking a XXXXXXX breath' often (called "heaving") can also indicate that you are under stress.

You have laso mentioned that these symptoms are more prominent whenever, things get too hectic and stressful. You also seem to be having difficulty managing your anxiety. Now, since your symptoms seem to be causing you significant distress, it may be necessary to seek treatment.

Lorazepam is a short-acting sedative and anti-anxiety medication, but is prescribed only for the temporary management of anxiety. Moreover, Lorazepam (being a benzodiazepine medication) has a tendency to cause habituation or addiction. Prilosec (Omeprazole) is an anti-acidity medication, which can help in relieving heartburn and gastric problems. It has no role in the management of anxiety.

There are several other anti-anxiety medication (like SSRIs) which can be effective in controlling your anxiety and keeping your mind relaxed. There are also psychological therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and other relaxation therapies, which can help you manage your anxiety. So, I would suggest that you consult a psychiatrist for a detailed psychological assessment, so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Additionally, you can also try simple relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, yoga, etc. which can be quite helpful. Regular physical exercise helps in relieving both the physical as well as psychological symptoms of anxiety and also helps you stay more functional.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hello again,

It is possible that your recent illness could have worsened your anxiety, and triggered a bout of health anxiety. I think that you would benefit a lot from psychological therapies such as relaxation therapies as well as stress management techniques. This will not only help controlling your physical symptoms but also help in coping with and handling stressful situations in a better way. Because it is practically not possible to always avoid stressful or difficult situations, it may not be the best solution to just take some anti-anxiety medication whenever you are stressed out. Rather, you will have to acquire skills and techniques to tackle the stress and not get too affected by it. So, please consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist for further professional help.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hello again,

I'm sorry to hear that you've fallen sick again. Now, it's not uncommon to have recurrent respiratory infections when there's a viral going around. It's most likely to be just a viral infection causing your symptoms. So, don't get too worried about it. You can discuss with your doctor whether you need to be tested for the flu or not. If you are having mild symptoms, then this may not be necessary. You can take an anti-histamine medication, which will help reduce the mucus and secretions. You can also take steam inhalation regularly to help the mucus clear out quickly. Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking hot fluids frequently. If you feel anxious and have a tendency to hyperventillate, then you can practice breathing exercises to prevent this from happening.

Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

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Hello again,

If you are running a continuous fever, then I would suggest that you take Paracetamol / Acetaminophen tablets 6th hourly, till the fever comes down. Advil (Ibuprofen) is a good anti-inflamatory / pain killer medication, but is not very effective against fever. Viral infections can have also present with high grade fever along with respiratory symptoms. MoreoverSo, I would suggest that you continue symptomatic management and follow a 'wait-and-observe' policy. In case your fever persists of more than 3 days or if you develop any complications such as breathlessness, wheezing, severe cough with yellowish sputum, elevated heart rate, low BP or a 'toxic' state, then you should seek urgent medical help.

Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

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Hello again,

If you have been running a continuous, high grade fever for nearly 5 days along with cough and lots of sputum, it is better that you review with your doctor. You may need a course of antibiotics, in case there is a suspicion of a lung infection. There are also, 'mucolyic' and 'expectorant' medication, which can help in liquifying and expelling out the mucous. Take steam inhalation frequently and keep drinking plenty of hot fluids.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

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