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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering With Severe Panic And Anxiety Attacks, Chest Pain, Vertigo And Sinus With Muscle Spasms. What Is The Cause?

Hello. I am a 43 year old male, relatively good health. In February of this year I suffered from a severe series of panic / anxiety attacks. This was not the first time in my life, but it has been quite a while. Neverless, I've been in and out of Drs offices (ER for chest pain, sinus specialist for vertigo, MD for muscle spasms, therapist for CBT, MRIs, CTs, chest Xrays) all in the hopes of finding the "source" of my ailments. I accept that elevayed, prolonged stress is contributing factor and I've seen improvements (either sympton severity or duration reduction). The constants for close to a year now have been light-headedness and shortness of breath, which are very debilitating given my work and lifestyle. I believe all test results I've received and am making fundamental changes to alleviate my anxiety, however, I'm concerned that I'm missing something. My quality of life has diminished and I'm tempted to head to Mayo for another opinion? So, finally, my question is what else could be causing, or intensifying with my anxiety undertow, my dizziness and shortness of breath? Any tips are appreciated? Thank you.w
Mon, 14 Oct 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
When do you have shortness of breath? After walking,after some physical activity or without physical activity? Is it episodic and related to situations?.
If your shortness of breath is due to physical activity then we need to look into the medical causes like heart, lungs and kidneys. These are the three main organs that can result in shortness of breath. In the heart,if it is being compromised, fluid can accumulate in the lungs and can result in shortness of breath. Do you have any history of heart problem? Do you smoke? The other reason is lung diseases, like asthma, obstructive lung diseases but again do you have symptoms other than shortness of breath? If your blood tests, ECG, kidney tests are normal then the shortness of breath is due to the symptoms of the anxiety.

Keeping in view the history you have given, I think your lightheadedness and shortness of breath are due to the effects of the anxiety and panic. Do you have feeling of pounding heart with it? What i suggest is that you try the deep breathing exercises. When you feel shortness of breath, sit at a chair, relax your body, take a deep breathe through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Remember you have to take deep breaths NOT fast and shallow breaths,rather DEEP and SLOW breaths. Do it for 5 mins and you will feel better.
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Suffering With Severe Panic And Anxiety Attacks, Chest Pain, Vertigo And Sinus With Muscle Spasms. What Is The Cause?

When do you have shortness of breath? After walking,after some physical activity or without physical activity? Is it episodic and related to situations?. If your shortness of breath is due to physical activity then we need to look into the medical causes like heart, lungs and kidneys. These are the three main organs that can result in shortness of breath. In the heart,if it is being compromised, fluid can accumulate in the lungs and can result in shortness of breath. Do you have any history of heart problem? Do you smoke? The other reason is lung diseases, like asthma, obstructive lung diseases but again do you have symptoms other than shortness of breath? If your blood tests, ECG, kidney tests are normal then the shortness of breath is due to the symptoms of the anxiety. Keeping in view the history you have given, I think your lightheadedness and shortness of breath are due to the effects of the anxiety and panic. Do you have feeling of pounding heart with it? What i suggest is that you try the deep breathing exercises. When you feel shortness of breath, sit at a chair, relax your body, take a deep breathe through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Remember you have to take deep breaths NOT fast and shallow breaths,rather DEEP and SLOW breaths. Do it for 5 mins and you will feel better.