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I have COPD and I've had it. I was diagnostic with having COPD for about over 17 years.
Yes Darrylfrancis, it does cause me to have panic or anxiety attacks.
Welcome to the group. This is a common issue with us because if you can't breathe you get an adrenaline rush and start to panic, anxiety, or fear you will not be able to breath. That in it self makes breathing even harder.
My pulmonologist sent me to see my regular doctor and I got prescribed some anti anxiety medication. But also learning breathing technics to help calm your breathing. PLB is the best and most used, then belly breathing. Then there are little tricks to calming yourself as it begins.
So what I do first off; Is STOP, take a tripod position. I like to lean on the back of a chair or on a counter with both hands spaced out. [gives my ribs and diaphragm most optimal space] I breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds. Exhale forcefully through pursued lips for a count of 8 seconds. [Like you're blowing out 70 candles on a birthday cake.] Then repeat 3 times. On the 4th time I breathe in through the nose and out with a relaxing exhale through an open mouth. Usually that is enough and takes me under 3 minuets to get my numbers back in the 90's and I am breathing calmly.
Tips or tricks to help you calm down quicker are; First thing is to lower your shoulders!!! They are no suppose to be touching your ears. Secondly look at something across the room, and in your mind describe it, list five things about that object.
Yes, COPD can absolutely contribute to panic attacks and anxiety — and after 17 years of living with it, that's completely understandable. The physical sensation of chest tightness and difficulty breathing can feel very similar to a panic attack, which can then trigger one. It becomes a bit of a cycle. Anxiety and Show Full Answer
Good afternoon @Darrylfranciks. A warm or cool shower is recommended by I think any doctor you go to. The hotter the water, the more your skin dries out and you don't want that to happen. I personally recommend using a good body lotion after a shower also to keep your skin hydrated and drink lots of water to keep the insides hydrated. I have a bench in my shower stall to sit on and I use a hand held shower head; works great for me. Good luck to you and just remember to take it slow. Chris 10/13/26
I just found out something I was having trouble taking hot showers. Instead of taking hot showers, take a warm shower. Instead, I have been tragic yet, but I'm gonna try it later on tonight to see how it works. But it sounds like a good idea to try. Have you tried it yet?
Yep, good advice, @A MyCOPDTeam Member. I like the part about concentrating on something other than what's going on. (My paraphrasing of course)
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