PART 2 – THINKING PANIC ATTACKS

By William (for wheezingaway.com)

          It is a continuing journey living with a chronic illness and that journey means living with constant learning.

          As I often remind my readers: “Those who have a constant battle with any chronic illness should always be in the mindset that educating themselves will never end.”

          For me, that battle includes severe Asthma, later stages of COPD, chronic fatigue, ADD, and a heart condition.

          Each one demands its own kind of knowledge, its own kind of preparation, and its own kind of courage.

          This four-part series, ‘Thinking Panic Attacks’, explores how panic can weave itself into the daily life of anyone living with a chronic illness – especially those of us who struggle with breathing.

TODAY’S FOCUS – ‘BREATH-RELATED DISCOMFORT!’

          Why do breathing symptoms trigger panic?

          Panic attacks can strike at any time, but for those with a lung disease, they often appear when we fear an episode of SOB (shortness of breath) is about to happen – especially when in public or around others. That fear alone can spark a panic response.

          Through my reading and lived experiences, I have learned that panic symptoms often fall into one of three categories.

          Today we look at the first: BREATH-RELATED DISCOMFORT.

          When panic shows up through breathing, it usually takes one of three forms:

          ….. 1. SOB (shortness of breath) – that smothering sensation that feels the air simply is not getting into the lungs. This is one of the most common triggers for panic, especially for those with COPD or Asthma. This is a sensation I have had, and let me tell you – the feeling of panic feel very real.

          ….. 2. CHOCKING SENSATION – A feeling that something is blocking the airway into our lungs. While I have not personally experienced this, I can easily imagine how frightening it would be, especially if or when it happens while eating.

          ….. 3. DISSINESS/LIGHTHEADEDNESS – A sense of faintness or instability. This can come from breathing issues, blood  pressure changes, or heart problems. I personally have experienced this many times both as a child with severe asthma episodes and again leading up to my massive heart attack in 2012.

          One thing I have learned: When your breathing does return to somewhat normal after a flare-up, one could and likely will experience an intense headache. That is the body’s way of reacting to the sudden rush of fresh oxygen.

          THE PANIC CYCLE! For many of us, the moment breathing becomes difficult, panic follows – and once panic sets in, shortness of breath is almost guaranteed. After which it becomes a loop that feeds itself.

          Recognizing the pattern is the first step toward breaking the loop.

          Coming up next in our four-part series on ‘Panic Attacks’ we will discuss ‘Uncomfortable Bodily Sensations’ and ‘Catastrophic Thoughts’.

          Both play a major role in how panic attacks form and how they feel.

OUR REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

          If you find yourself having a breathing issue, what about it can send you into a panic mode?

          Which of these three symptoms discussed today have you felt?

          Remember, your insights may and will help others feel less alone – so share in the comments, it is always much appreciated.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

          If breathing symptoms linger, repeat, or disrupt your daily walk of life – please ask questions and get checked out. Knowledge is power and sometimes, knowledge is survival.

Smiles, Prayers, Blessings and Steady Breathing, have a good day – William

NOTES: Sometimes we share what may seem like medical information, but we are only giving descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or Asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical advice.

(Copyright@2026, by CrossDove Writers through wheezingaway.com – no part of this write may be used or copied without written permission.)