Anxiety : Lung Sensitivity , Mucous and Breathing distress

[NelsonAAA]

I suffer from ANXIETY which manifest itself in emotional and physical symptoms. The physical symptoms include upper gastric IBS (stomach bloating) and a tension in my thorax/lungs.

The tension in my lungs seems to be responsible for producing mucous, a cough and at times, especially when my stomach feels bloated, I feel breathing distress/panic.

I sometimes cannot catch the top of my in-breath - belch and the breathing problem temporarily diminishes...

[My recent X-Ray was clear and I have a good peak flow].


QUESTIONS:

Q1 Could the breathing distress (occasional mucous and tightness) be the result of an ambient anxiety disorder ?
If not, can you suggest what else it might indicate?

Q2 Do you imagine that the stomach bloating/ distension is likely to make the lung condition seem more pronounced ?

Q3 As a result of my apparent lung sensitivity, I have a fear of catching a cold/ flu/ cough...do you imagine in reality my condition would be manageable under such circumstances and that this might be merely an irrational concern ?

Q4 Can you suggest a course of action/ treatment?

[I am presently taking Omeprazole for my stomach (acid) and Buspar for my anxiety]

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions...

[National Jewish]

It is reassuring that you have a clear chest x-ray and a good peak flow.

It is certainly possible for anxiety to cause chest tightness.  Stomach bloating and distention can make your lung condition seem more pronounced.  When this happens your stomach becomes larger and pushes up on your diaphragm.  This leaves less room for you lungs to fully expand when you breathe in.  Your condition should be manageable even if you were to have a cough from catching a cold.

Diaphragmatic breathing can help you move more air in and out of your lungs.  This is the most efficient way to breathe and may improve your symptoms.  Learning this technique will help you to breathe slowly, regularly, gently, and smoothly all of the time.  Here are the instructions:
· Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose.
· While you breathe in, count 1, 2 and push your stomach out.
· Place your hand on your stomach so you can feel your stomach going out.  This promotes the use of your diaphragm and your lower respiratory muscles.
· Breathe out slowly and deeply through your mouth.  Imagine that you are breathing out through a straw by “pursing” your lips.
· While you slowly breathe out all the way, count 1, 2, 3, 4 and let your stomach relax.  You can feel your stomach going in with your hand.
You often can get help with this type of breathing by taking an introductory yoga class or checking out a videotape on yoga that focuses on breathing and relaxation.

[Purified Air]

I used to clear my throat all the time by coughing but since having an air purifier in my home that covers the whole house; I've found it to help all my children even in the midst of this WI winter - we've had no colds or flu or other respiratory ills.  Here's some obvious signs in your own home that can indicate a need simply for whole house air purification.
COMMON TRAITS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Affected Household Members initials: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Dust on furniture / Visible in air
House odors
Allergies
Asthma
Sinus problems
Headaches
Sleeplessness / Light sleeper
Snoring
Sore throats / Colds / Flu
Itchy/ Watery eyes
Coughing / Throat clearing
Lack of Concentration
Depression / Irritability
Fatigue / Naps
Mold / Mildew in basement & bathrooms
Pet dander and odors
Smoking
Wood / Coal heater
Static Electricity

As you fill this in and realize how much is affected by your indoor air; maybe you should try an ionizing/ozone air purifier like I have.  It's removed all respiratory ills in our family with 8 children 19 down to two. I know breathing in that purified air night after night in and out, in and out has healed our lungs and even strengthened our immunes systems.  My air purifier is no medical machine, but it's sure amazing how good you can feel breathing in purified air that's cleaned like fresh air outdoors.