Shortness of breath

[Joann86]

Has anyone else experienced shortness of breath while taking a shower. It just happened to me. I was showering and the water wasnt hot at all nor cold and all of the sudden i felt like I couldn't breath. I got so scared that I rushed out of the shower. This is the first time I felt this way. I've suffered from anxiety for three years now. But like I said i've never had this shortness of breath after that my heart was pounding. Ive been somewhat stressed lately. Im only 26 and this episodes scare me so much. Im still a shaky :/  

[Joann86]

Well I don't see a counselor I've mainly tried the whole self help thing. But I know I alone can't figure out what makes me anxious or what its triggers are. The only thing stopping me is my  financial situation I don't have insurance and I know it can be expensive.

[cj29]

In my experience with anxeity, it can definitely manifest itself in many different ways.  I am glad that you are working with your doctor with this process. Do you have access to a counselor as well?  For me, the most important step that I took was going to talk about it with someone that was trained in dealing with issues like this.  I believe we tend to fear what we do not know about, but cousneling gave me the knowledge to confront and deal with the anxiety.  As with any challenge we face, the more we know about it the less daunting it becomes.  

[Joann86]

Well since my anxiety started my doctor gives me clonazepam 0.5 mg which he increase the dosage yesterday since I told him my anxiety was more frequent. I only take it when needed. He said that we should try upping the dosage and see if that helped if not we would have to look into putting me on a daily med. which I personally don't want because I don't want to depend on meds all the time.

[lynnsee]

yea, it doesn't have to happen every time, but it can. when it happens  to me, I yawn a lot and like practically gasp for air. its scary but I know its just all in my head. if you don't mind me asking, what med(s) do you take for your anxiety? i'm glad to hear you're feeling better - Lynnsee c:

[Joann86]

Hi Catmint well I felt like running out of the bathroom too. I managed to "control" myself and get myself dressed and outta there. Though its tough when your mind is making you think and feel like you are in danger when your are simply taking a shower or in a sauna in your case. It's strange how steam can make you feel this way but I'm glad to know I'm not alone on this. It was sure scary. Thank you so much for your response I truly appreciate it :)

[Joann86]

Yes Lynnsee I've had a few panic attacks but usually it's the heart pounding feeling I get this shortness of breath was new to me you could say. But I'm doing better of course I took my meds so that helped too. Stress has slowly gotten to me and we'll like you said I have to relax. Though its much easier said then done. Thanks again for your response I appreciate it :)

[catmint]

You state you have anxiety, so the stage is set.
Even though you said the shower was not too hot,or too cold, there was probably still some steam. When you are in an enclosed area, like a shower, steam can make us feel like we can't breath correctly. I don't know the medical reasoning behind what or why steam can do this to us, but the same thing has happened to me while in a sauna. I was doing OK until someone dumped some more water on the rocks or whatever the hell they were and the steam increased to the point you couldn't see through it. I couldn't SEE OR BREATH and my panic got so bad, I burst out of the sauna leaving my towel behind. A naked woman having a panic attack in a busy gym is apparently very amusing. I now go to another gym and do NOT use the sauna!
Steam.............a possible possibility?  

[lynnsee]

hi. i have anxiety too. have you ever had a panic attack? even a mild one?it sounds to me like maybe it could have been a panic attack.i don't think the shower itself has anything to do with it except maybe the fact that its a place where we all have plenty of time to think and over think to ourselves. when i got panic attacks, it became a little difficult to breath, my heart would pound outta my chest and i'd get really shakey and worried. it could be your stress getting to you. just try to relax and just tell yourself that everything will be ok. best wishes -lynnsee c: