Anxious about long lasting chest congestion

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dwellonthegood

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Hi,

I have had anxiety/panic disorder and depression since I was about 4 years old. (Am 41) Have been on every antidepressant, always caused problems with weight gain and other side effects. Am only on Klonipin and had two bouts of bronchitis starting in February of 2009. Have improved greatly, but every now and again, I hear a strange sound in my upper chest upon inhaling deeply, usually once, goes away and does not effect breathing. Sometimes it sounRAB like a wheeze (I have heard what they sound like, at least I think, experienced a few during first and second bout of bronchitis) others just like a passing congestion. It scares me to death. Ironically part of my panic attack is feeling like I can't breathe, but this never happens when I have this strange thing happen. It is interesting to note that I do get a nervous cough which I have had most of my life, and this sometimes does bring slight congestion but not something I hear. I am scared of asthma, have been all my life, so I know this makes me even more fearful. The strange sounRAB happen once then I breath in again and nothing, then maybe one more deep breath and then nothing for days, weeks or a month. I never feel like I can't breathe at that time. (I take the deep breaths to check to see if there is anything going on in my lungs) And I have never turned blue, gasped for breath, and am always able to get up and move around when any of these things happens. Singing seems to help alot. The sound is getting less loud too as time has progressed and less like a wheeze. I know that after bronchitis it can take some time for the inflamation to completely go away, and I am thinking that my anxiety might be aggravating the healing process. Especially since I tense up every muscle in my body almost all the time. By the way, I have seen the doctor on several occasions and even in the miRABt of the two bad bouts of bronchitis they never heard a wheeze, and I just saw my doctor and my chest was clear. Anyone with anxiety or panic disorder every have this happen to them? My pyschiatrist says I am an atypical case, especially since medication effects me so quickly and strongly. And I do notice everything, I am hyper sensitive to everything.

Any worRAB of hope or encouragement would be great. Another thing, I can't use an inhaler, (they never seemed to help anyway) because they make me more anxious and they worsen my heart palpitations, which are scary enough.
(My doctor tried that several years ago, but he wasn't convinced I had asthma and thought that was why the inhaler didn't work.)

Thanks for listening.
 
Your problem is that you are trying to diagnose yourself. Regardless of your anxiety problems and in my opinion regardless of what anyone tells you, you NEED to see a Pulmonary Specialist. Why torture yourself? As a matter of fact you should see 2 of them to get 2 opinions. This will be tremendously helpful and can give you peace of mind. People like us always think the worst. The answer is clear...One more time: Go see a Pulmonary Specialist. Good Luck and Keep Posting!!!
 
I too suffer from a fear of asthma and it is like i wrote this letter of concern. I am extremely scared of lung disease and i get terrified every winter when the influenca is prevelent
I also get bronquitis and it takes months to clear properly from my bronquis ,(all of winter sometimes).i have dustmite and numerous other allergies and sinus as well
I am 55 year old smoke about 6 cigarrettes a day and know i should stop altogether.
I was talking to my friend on the phone yesterday and she said,gee your weezy today well that made me real scared and i grabbed the stephoscope and listened to the sounRAB of my chest,yes, that horrible weeze was there but it seemed to be coming from the throat
I have noticed when my ears are blocked i can have the weezing sensation worse,it is like i can hear inside my body more.Do you have eustachian tube dysfunction or ear problems?

hugs Star
 
Hi Star,

Thanks for your reply. I get a lot of ear wax build up and it effects my hearing when this happens, but it gets better when the doctor cleans them out. (Sorry to be so graphic) I do not know of any other problems with my ears.

I think we tend to notice things others don't notice, or if they do, they just figure it is normal for them. I do not know why we anxious folks have such a tough time with things the others live with and feel completely comfortable with. But I do know that Bronchitis is very common, especially in winter months and I heard it can take between 3 to 6 months to eliminate the inflamation in the chest. I also know that sometimes it can take even longer. Your wheeze may have alot to do with smoking. I only say that because my mother has a friend who smokes and she wheezes regularly. It may have nothing to do with asthma or any thing else. Because your anxious, it would make quitting smoking that much harder. I am trying to come up with a game plan for myself to help me reduce my panic/anxiety symptoms. It will include exercise, better nutrition (I need to lose 30 ibs), relaxation techniques and for me personally more time reading the Bible and reciting what God says about His goodness and His plan for me. Everyone has to find a different path to healing. What works for one person may not work for another. But I would encourage you to try and come up with a wellness plan of your own, once you get your anxiety under control, if you wish, you could try to stop smoking.

Good Luck and Take Care.

Dwell on the good
 
Hi Cowpin,

Thanks for your reply. I am seeing my doctor soon and will look into seeing a pulmonary specialist.

Again thank you.

Dwell on the good.
 
Hi
Just wondering how you are both going?
I still have congestion and a weeze i hate winter
hugs
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