Discussions
Discussions
Are you currently dealing with additional stress?
Stress and strong emotions can present with respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing, as the airway between the nose and the lungs constricts. For people without respiratory disease, this is generally not a problem as the body can manage the additional work to breathe comfortably, but psychological stressors can exacerbate breathing problems for people with pre-existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
Replies
Pursed lip breathing can help. It can have a calming effect on both the body and mind, making it an effective tool for managing stress and anxiety. By slowing down your breathing and enhancing oxygen exchange, this method helps to activate the body's relaxation response. Simply inhale slowly through your nose and exhale gently through pursed lips, as if you're "blowing out a candle". This controlled pattern helps regulate breathing, reduce the feeling of breathlessness, and shifts focus away from stressful thoughts. This can promote a sense of calm. :)
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.