I have very mild COPD with FEV1 over 80% (normal) and CANNOT understand why some days I have difficulties breathing ...at rest! I'm not sure if it's COPD or hyperventilation (I have general anxiety disorder too) and it's driving me crazy! How coul one gasp for air with such a mild COPD at rest?
Dear Raspout,I have copd with 60% function. The only time I feel I can't breathe is when I think about it. It's just anxiety. Can't tell you how to stop feeling anxious though.
I reckon that's you anxiety, COPD at that level wouldn't be causing that. What do you do about the anxiety disorder?
I also have mild COPD, and I sometimes get a little 'chesty' when it's humid, and it also makes me anxious. But I find that if I breath properly using either any (or a combination of) breathing techniques (tummy breathing, Buteyko breathing, pursed-lip breathing, or yoga) it generally helps .. especially with the anxiety.
There are plenty of videos on Youtube which show you how to breath. I find Buteyko very very relaxing.
Try not to worry .. If you're COPD is very mild, it's almost certainly anxiety which is causing your shortness of breath.
But if you're worried and want to put your mind at rest, have another word with your GP.
Jo
Great reply, Josephine, saved me the trouble of recommending the breathing techniques: they do make such a huge difference. I've found that if I miss them for more than one day for any reason I really suffer, ditto my usual daily walk with the dog.
I'm interested that you find Buteyko helpful, when I contacted them for one of their free introductory sessions I was told it's not really helpful for COPD: I was amazed at their honesty! Yoga helps with EVERYTHING eh? Ditto meditation ......
Well I tried everything under the sun medication wise, including alcohol... Seriously I'm taken care by a psychiatrist but meds don't do much as I am in witdrawal process as I became dependant on benzodiazepines. I also have a cognitive behavioral therapist but it takes time.
As you've no doubt discovered, alcohol is only a very short-term remedy to anxiety. CBT is great but of course it does take time: in the meantime I'd suggest mindfulness meditation
Definitely think its more of an anxiety thing, Raspout. A word with your GP is probably your best bet. Maybe there are some exercises you can perform to calm yourself down?
Let us know how you get on.
I have pretty much the same. I think it's to do with air pollution, possibly mainly ozone, so it tends to be worse on warm days with no wind if there is a lot of traffic in the neighbourhood. Could it be this?