Panic attack or asthma? Advise

[pinkyp]

My nose was blocked earlier and suddenly o couldn't breath (only for a second) immediately I started having a panic attack, 3 hours later I can't get my breath, coughing fits are awful and feel a bit light headed (I have a cold). I don't feel that panicy anymore, could it be asthma? Or am I still panicking? Help I don't know what to do!!

[madmouse]

Do you have a history of asthma? If you have a blue inhaler around take a few puffs, it will do no harm.

If you are light headed you could still be hyperventilating, although coughing fits are not part of that, but of course they are part of a cold.

If it is asthma you would find it hard to breath out, possibly hear wheezing when breathing out. Coughing up gunk, rather than dry tickly cough.

You could try breathing in a paper or plastic bag to see if it helps, if it makes you worse stop immediately. If it helps you are hyperventilating.

I have asthma and a history of hyperventilation and in my experience coughing lots can make you feel lightheaded too as they can mess your breathing up a bit.

[hellhasnofury]

It could be panic. If you have a paper bag try berating in and out of it, see if it helps to slow your breathing and relieve the light headedness.

[pinkyp]

I don't have a paper bag, feel a bit numb all over and breathless when I talk - I think it's panic. I'm saying that because i'm very aware of every breath I'm taking / when I talk I'm thinking "am I out of breath", etc

No wheezing or tight chest, I've not been taking deep breaths either, thank u for replying

[hellhasnofury]

Breathe in slowly, hold your breath for a slow count to three then exhale slowly. Concentrate on breathing rhythmically and slowly.

[madmouse]

Another good trick to stop hyperventilating, but a bit harder to do than breathing in a paper bag is holding your breath for as long as you can - this also gets rid of some of the excess oxygen that makes you feel light headed.

[hellhasnofury]

How are you doing pinkyp?

[pinkyp]

Trying to distract myself, I haven't had a panic attack for ages I nearly dialled 999 at one point