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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have General Anxiety, Breath Shallow. How To Get Cured?

hello, i've been having this one problem for a while now , it's annoying i breath shallow everyday i just dont know whats caused, it scares the hell out off me i can't do daily activitys because this as became i regular thing i think about, i'm only 19 with no heart or lung problems, i do have general anxiety though quite bad, but i breath shallow even when i'm not in a panic attack?
Thu, 2 May 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi
Thanks for writing to Health Care Magic
Generalised anxiety causes shallow breathing. Anxiety is opposite of relaxation. When one is relaxed he breathes deep. Exactly opposite appens when one is anxious. There is nothing to worry about. Try practising deep breathing techniques every day. Sit at a calm place and take deep and slow inspiration. This should be followed by slow expiration. Hear soothing music and do activities that give u pleasure. Make relaxation a habit. Also consult ur doctor who prescribes u anxiolytics. These drugs cause automatic relaxation and ur breathing gets normal. The other symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, sweating, rapid and shallow breathing, increased heart rate, confusion, disturbed bowels and increased frequency of urination. Consult a specialist for better help
Hope this helps u
Thanks and regards
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Dr.Nehal's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic forum..

I have gone through your available history.

Shallow breath is one of the common symptoms of Generalized anxiety.

You should consult psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management. Doctor may advise you to take anti depressant drugs with anti anxiety properties like peroxetine or he may refer you for psychotherapy.

Meanwhile you can do breathing exercise, yoga, meditation for better control over anxiety.

Thanks
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Cardiologist,  Dr. Anantharamakrishnan's  Response
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

That is a form of Anxiety.
Breathing is autonomous and one's control is partial and very limited...One is not generally aware except under certain situations - and the common cause is Anxiety...
If you are no convinced, see a Pulmonogist and get things clarified...

Psychological counselling will help...
Occasionally drugs may be necessary...
Getting immersed in work / diversions / positive thinking / Yoga / relaxation techniques - all will help

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Sundar Gnanavel's  Response
Hello.......
Thanks for your query. On reviewing your history, you appear to suffer from anxiety disorder, most probably generalised. Hence you would require a psychiatric evaluation for anxiety disorders including generalised anxiety disorder. The treatment consists of:
1. Anti-anxiety medication including SSRIs
2. Psychotherapy techniques including CBT/ Cognitive behavioural therapy
Yoga, meditation and breathing relaxation exercises are also likely to be be beneficial in your case. Contact a psychiatrist at the earliest for evaluation. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
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Have General Anxiety, Breath Shallow. How To Get Cured?

Hi Thanks for writing to Health Care Magic Generalised anxiety causes shallow breathing. Anxiety is opposite of relaxation. When one is relaxed he breathes deep. Exactly opposite appens when one is anxious. There is nothing to worry about. Try practising deep breathing techniques every day. Sit at a calm place and take deep and slow inspiration. This should be followed by slow expiration. Hear soothing music and do activities that give u pleasure. Make relaxation a habit. Also consult ur doctor who prescribes u anxiolytics. These drugs cause automatic relaxation and ur breathing gets normal. The other symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, sweating, rapid and shallow breathing, increased heart rate, confusion, disturbed bowels and increased frequency of urination. Consult a specialist for better help Hope this helps u Thanks and regards