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Real members of MyCOPDTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone ever get the sensation of being strangled.. or having a choking feeling

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Waynesville, NC
February 19
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Answer Summary

Members who are newly diagnosed with COPD connected over the terrifying sensation of feeling strangled or choked, with many acknowledging that... Read more

Members who are newly diagnosed with COPD connected over the terrifying sensation of feeling strangled or choked, with many acknowledging that some days are worse than others but reassuring each other that coping gets easier with time and the right tools. Several members shared practical strategies for managing these episodes, including staying calm to avoid panic, practicing pursed-lip breathing techniques daily, using a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels, keeping a rescue inhaler close, and drinking plenty of water to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. A recurring theme was the importance of learning breathing exercises, working closely with a pulmonologist, and not letting fear take over during frightening moments.

A MyCOPDTeam Member

Wanda hi,,,yes copd is bad,,,breathing ,,,,walking helps a lot,,,try not to get upset ,,,work light,,,sleep when you can a little,,,

February 19
MyCOPDTeam

Do you ever experience a sensation of being strangled or a choking feeling with COPD?

Yes, this feeling is something many people with COPD experience. That sensation of tightness or feeling like you're being choked can be frightening, but you're not alone in dealing with it.

This feeling often happens when your airways Show Full Answer

Do you ever experience a sensation of being strangled or a choking feeling with COPD?

Yes, this feeling is something many people with COPD experience. That sensation of tightness or feeling like you're being choked can be frightening, but you're not alone in dealing with it.

This feeling often happens when your airways tighten (bronchospasm) or when you're experiencing air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which are common with COPD. The shortness of breath can create a cycle where the breathing difficulty itself causes anxiety, which then makes the breathing feel even worse.

Here are some things that may help when this happens:

- Try to stay as calm as possible (easier said than done, but important)
- Use pursed-lip breathing to help slow your breathing down
- Take your rescue medications as prescribed
- Try relaxation techniques or breathing exercises that have worked for you before

If the work of breathing becomes overwhelming or you've tried everything without relief, don't hesitate to contact your doctor or go to the ER. It's always better to be safe.

Remember, experiencing anxiety when you can't breathe properly is completely understandable - how could anyone with severe breathing problems not feel at least some anxiety?

February 19
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Drink plenty of Water!
thin the mucus with plenty of water so you can cough it up.
Mucinex may help also

February 23
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Yes I have a pulse oximeter.. I have a pulmonologist I'm using an inhaler I do have a rescue inhaler as well... Thank you so much for responding

February 22
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Only when I have a hard time coughing up a mucus plug. The one thing you don't want to do is panic. You relax and it will all clear up.
I see your new to this. But it usually takes something to cause it. The first thing you need to do is keep calm and lower your shoulders. Learn the PLB technique to help get your O2 levels back up. In the resource section you will learn a few different breathing technics. Lean them and practice every day. They will get you through this.
Do you have an oximeter to check your percentage of blood oxygen?Do you have a maintenance inhaler? Do you have a pulmonologist yet. Discuss this with her/him, your maintenance inhaler should help with that. Breathe Ez........

February 20

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