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Suggest Treatment For Severe Emphysema Along With Anxiety And Panic Attacks

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Posted on Tue, 6 Jan 2015
Question: I've been told I have severe emphysema and I think I'm having trouble with gas exchange but I have an anxiety disorder and panic attacks and freak out over my condition. Can I control getting carbon dioxide out? Does purse-breathing help? I'm very weak and just started having trouble walking and more trouble breathing--short, shallower breathes Am I in stage 4 and close to dying?
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Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Oxygen concentration by pulse oximeter.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I am Dr Rakesh Sharma answering your query.
I can understand your concern.
It seems you are under stress of disease, not very well explained to you.
Your symptoms are more of stress than disease.
You can control your breathing by ##pursed lip technique##.
At least that will calm you down, as stress itself, causes breathlessness.
Your ER people must have checked your oxygen concentration by pulse oximeter, if not you must get it checked as it will be an indication of severity of your respiratory distress.
No body dies of emphysema, do not worry.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Hope I have answered your query.
If any thing else you are welcome.
Good luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Rakesh Sharma

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1982

Answered : 728 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Emphysema Along With Anxiety And Panic Attacks

Brief Answer: Oxygen concentration by pulse oximeter. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Rakesh Sharma answering your query. I can understand your concern. It seems you are under stress of disease, not very well explained to you. Your symptoms are more of stress than disease. You can control your breathing by ##pursed lip technique##. At least that will calm you down, as stress itself, causes breathlessness. Your ER people must have checked your oxygen concentration by pulse oximeter, if not you must get it checked as it will be an indication of severity of your respiratory distress. No body dies of emphysema, do not worry. Drink plenty of fluids. Hope I have answered your query. If any thing else you are welcome. Good luck.