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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Breathing Difficulty With Panic Attack?

Hello, I'm a 44 yr old female, 5'3", 200lb. and had an episode in the shower where I couldn't breath. I felt like I was suffocating. It lasted about a minute or minute and a half. I jumped out of the shower in a panic and could then breathe. My legs were shaking. I have had a panic attack in the shower before but this was different. I had been able to breathe before. This was the most frightening thing that has happened to me. I did call my doctor and he felt it was anxiety. I have fibromyalgia and anxiety issues. I also have been having some stomach issues lately such as reflux, fullness in chest after eating, and a lot of burping. I have a hiatal hernia. I think I am also in perimenopause. This happened 2 days ago and still at times (when I think about it) I feel a little short of breath. Could a hot shower cause this? Or does it sound like asthma? (I had no wheezing or coughing, or history of asthma) Or anxiety? Thank you. Sue
Mon, 6 Jun 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
I don't think your symptoms are due to asthma or hot water shower.
In my opinion, your all symptoms like breathing difficulty, shaking of legs, burping, belching, reflux etc are due to worsening stress, anxiety and panic disorder.
Your perimenopausal age is also contributing to all these because in this age females are prone for hormonal imbalance and psychological issues.. So in my opinion, you should consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions.
Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on it's solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too.
Also get done hormone levels and if imbalance is there then start hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Don't worry, you will be alright. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes Sudden Breathing Difficulty With Panic Attack?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. I don t think your symptoms are due to asthma or hot water shower. In my opinion, your all symptoms like breathing difficulty, shaking of legs, burping, belching, reflux etc are due to worsening stress, anxiety and panic disorder. Your perimenopausal age is also contributing to all these because in this age females are prone for hormonal imbalance and psychological issues.. So in my opinion, you should consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on it s solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too. Also get done hormone levels and if imbalance is there then start hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Don t worry, you will be alright. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.