During a panic attack, the fight-or-flight response is activated, which can lead to an intense cascade of uncomfortable symptoms, including shortness of breath and hyperventilating. Whether you have had a single panic attack or have been diagnosed with panic disorder, experiencing shortness of breath can feel incredibly unsettling and frightening. Better understanding shortness of breath and its link to panic attacks may help you or a loved one find appropriate resources, support, and strategies that aim to reduce and/or eliminate symptoms. Show
CharacteristicsWhen experiencing a change in your breathing pattern during a panic attack, you may feel as if:
In addition to experiencing shortness of breath and/or hyperventilation, you may feel faint, dizzy, and lightheaded. You may also experience other symptoms of a panic attack or panic disorder during this time. Shortness of Breath Vs. HyperventilatingShortness of breath, also referred to as dyspnea, and hyperventilation, also known as overbreathing, are intimately connected to each other. When you feel shortness of breath, you may breathe faster, which can lead to hyperventilation—and, in turn, hyperventilation can trigger or worsen shortness of breath. Hyperventilation:
What Causes Shortness of BreathBreathing can be a good marker for an individual's internal state, so it makes sense that if an individual is experiencing panic, anxiety, and/or high levels of stress, their breathing will reflect that. According to research, changes in breathing can trigger a panic attack, increase levels of anxiety, and intensify a panic attack that has already begun. Studies indicate that:
Can Anxiety Cause Shortness of Breath?Anxiety can both cause and exacerbate shortness of breath. Symptoms of anxiety can include feeling short of breath, air hungry, and a smothering feeling. In turn, feeling short of breath can also increase your anxiety. In terms of panic attacks, shortness of breath may take place prior to the onset of a panic attack, or increase during one. TreatmentIf you or a loved one are experiencing panic attacks, know that there are many treatment options available. Because the root cause of panic attacks and panic disorder will vary from individual to individual, it's best to try multiple treatment options or combinations to figure out which one is the best fit. When to Talk to Your DoctorExperiencing shortness of breath or hyperventilating during a panic attack can be terrifying. Because panic attacks and panic disorder can be associated with other underlying diseases or disorders, it's important to speak with your doctor so they can identify what is causing your shortness of breath. MedicationMedication may be effective for some individuals in treating panic attacks and panic disorder. Medication may help reduce overall anxiety, decrease the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, and reduce the anxiety associated with panic attacks. Medication options that have proven efficacy in treating panic attacks and panic disorder in some individuals include:
PsychotherapyPsychotherapy may be used in conjunction with medication, or on its own. Which route someone opts to try in terms of treatment may depend on the intensity and frequency of their symptoms as well as their personal preferences. Psychotherapy may address individual, couples, and family issues that have been impacted by panic attacks and panic disorder. Therapeutic techniques used to treat panic attacks and panic disorder include:
CopingExperiencing shortness of breath during a panic attack can feel stressful, isolating, and scary. Because panic attacks can begin without a known trigger, it's important to have a tool kit of techniques to stop or manage a panic attack. If you are having difficulty with daily activities and/or are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, it's important to connect with a professional immediately.
What Can You Do When You Feel Short of Breath?Mindful breathing may help you return to your typical breathing pattern during a panic attack or ground yourself afterwards. Follow these basic guidelines:
A Word From VerywellAlthough panic attacks can feel terrifying in the moment, especially when your breathing is impacted, keep in mind that a panic attack is not life-threatening. However, chronic high levels of stress and anxiety can be very detrimental to your overall health and well being, so it's critical that you prioritize seeking appropriate treatment for your panic attacks and connect with your doctor regarding any breathing-related issues. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Katharina Star, PhD Thanks for your feedback! Can anxiety cause shortness of breath lying down?Anxiety or panic disorder. People who experience panic, anxiety, and fear may find these symptoms worsen when they are lying down in a dark room. Breathing difficulty can occur with panic and fear.
What does anxiety breathing problems feel like?You may feel like you can't catch your breath, tightness in your chest, or like you're suffocating or hungry for air. Studies have shown a strong association between anxiety and respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath.
Does anxiety make it hard to breathe at night?Anxiety and panic attacks
Your mental well-being can correlate with nighttime shortness of breath. Feeling anxious can trigger a fight-or-flight response in your body and cause a panic attack. You may struggle to take breaths, feel faint, and become nauseous during a panic attack.
What causes difficulty in breathing at night?One of the most common reasons people have shortness of breath while laying down is sleep apnea, While it's incorrectly thought of as just snoring, sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
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