Physical symptoms of anxiety

[miranda95]

Hi I have had some strange health problems with my throat since December last year. I have seen my GP, THREE different ENT specialists and a respiratory specialist. I have had lung function tests, 'camera down nose' and CT scans of neck, sinuses and chest. My GP has concluded that my symptoms are simply anxiety/psychosomatic, so he has put me on medication but I haven't noticed anything. I'm still convinced there is something physically wrong which is why I'm resorting to this forum to see if anyone else has had similar problems? My parents are getting desperate for me as I am uncomfortable/distressed 24/7.

The best way to describe my symptoms are
- throat feels swollen
- a lump in your throat
- a band is around your neck
- something is blocking your throat and making it hard to breathe
- throat muscles are locked
- pressure in the throat
- throat closing
- short of breath
- blockage

The difficulty breathing is so uncomfortable I wonder how I can live like this

The fact that I wake up like this and go to bed like this and the feeling doesn't go away leads me to believe it cannot be anxiety. I also have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which can cause random symptoms.

[Croix]

Dear Miranda95~

Welcome here to the Forum. I do not know the reason you have this difficulty, it sounds pretty horrible. I have had panic attacks that make breathing difficult, however they have passed after a while. I also have other physical problems that remain more constant, all caused by anxiety.

I'm not trying to say your symptoms are caused by anxiety, but if you are anything like me then there is a possibility I guess. I'd hope all the doctors you have seen are pretty thorough and have ruled other things out.

I do not know enough about CFS to comment.

I guess it it was me I'd try three things. Firstly plugging away with the doctors in an effort to see if your CFS or another condition is responsible. Your doctor may be able to make further suggestions to consider even though his first choice is now anxiety.

As the medication is not making a difference perhaps you ought to mention that too.

Second see what is available in the way of breathing exercises that may help (these can often assist with an anxiety condition too)

Third look further into anxiety as a cause, for instance have you been feeling stressed and pressured before and during December when this started. Live a life that tends to reduce anxiety. As this is basically just healthy living with exercise, nutrition and sleep, it is beneficial anyway. I suggest you have a look at

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies

which is a pretty sensible approach.

Medication does not always work for anxiety, often it is a question of trial and error to find the right regimen. It took heaps of goes before I was put on one that was reasonably effective without horrible side effects.

Croix