I have panic disorder and when my nose is stuffed up, it sends me into a panic attack.
Panic Disorder - is it normal to feel anxious and get panicky just because my nose is stuffed up?
Question posted by tryn2heal on 11 Sep 2009
Last updated on 23 July 2020 by Juliezamb
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16 Answers
Juliezamb
23 July 2020
I am having this problem right now every night and then morning, and don’t have a primary care physician. I have an anti anxiety Rx but only 1 left (I haven’t needed it in years) and can’t refill. Just thinking about putting a mask on to go find a doctor to help has me give up trying for that. I am glad to know I’m not alone.
hughjmilsom
4 June 2020
It is so refreshing to hear of others with exactly the same issues as I: my feelings of panic are triggered by a blocked nose, the inability to swallow or a toothache or mouth issue! Over the years I’ve managed to keep things under control - but only just ...
May I respectfully suggest the causes and possible remedies?
Waking up at night unable to breath properly: I use Breathe Right strips and always have a decongestant nose spray to hand.
Never flooding my face in the shower
Going to bed slowly as the bedroom seems to be associated with panic: not lying down until my breathing has settled, keeping my eyes open, lying on not in bed and then finally under the quilt.
Panic occurs in the Dentist: thank goodness for a sympathetic Dentist!
Sometimes I can panic by just thinking about it! I know the panic will subside but a short walk, opening a window, turning on a fan often helps.
Claustrophobia: even seeing tight spaces on the TV! Dreams of tight spaces ... being unable to see the exit ... sometimes even in aircraft!
It’s all down to feeling of suffocation or losing control over my breathing ...
Is medication the only way forward? I’d be very interested in your solutions ...
Hugh
Naveraan
31 Dec 2017
I have thrombng pain in right ear and get panic attacks
auntniknik
16 Sep 2011
I can't believe your question! I'm 58 and have never had a panic attack until last week. Now I've had 4! Is this normal? I'm starting to dread nights. My nose and throat feel like they are closing up and I can't breathe. I have had esophagus problems for years, but this feels different. I have an inhaler from recently having pneumonia and I used that and took Xanax. It doesn't completely go away, but seems to get better. This happened out of the blue. My doctor is out of town until Monday and I have been very anxious which isn't normal for me. Is this crazy? It is very scary! What could be causing this? Help?
Inactive
17 Sep 2011
Do you have allergies or asthma? It sounds like how I get ( & am right now) with drastic weather changing like it has in my neck of the woods recently. I'm very hoarse with a scrathy throat, & can't hardly breath. Try not to panic. Take your xanax & relax. Call your doc on Monday. If your throat swells, go to the ER. Have a great weekend...
caringsonbj
15 Jan 2011
I have had it so bad the least little thing sets you into a whirl I've even used my normal medications and then been concerned did I do the right thing Panic is something that is like a dog chasing it's tail, you need all the support you can get and from every thing that I have read on here every person on here is about giving to those who are in need Please take good care I will be glad to help anyway I can
Inactive
28 Aug 2010
i too suffer from panic attacks for several years now but in the past didnt understand why i had nose/throat issues. having been twice to an ear/nose and throat specialist and them finding nothing, made me think maybe it was the anxiety causing the symptoms when i couldnt breath properly or couldnt swallow..from what ive worked out its definatly all part of the anxiety and panic attack issues and definatly linked, i also take xanax daily and mirtazapine and these help to function each day but totally understand and sympathise with you. just reading other peoples notes helps too to realise your not alone. just wish this condition didnt exist, i was so normal before
Inactive
16 April 2010
It sounds like you could have emetophobia, which is the fear of being sick. ya know what i mean? Like, you feel sick like you have a cold and THATS what you have a phobia of, not simplly having a runny nose. maybe, maybe not, just a theory
kathyll28
21 Jan 2010
I do to don,t feel bad
teal
9 Jan 2010
that's normal for panic disorder. I have them for no reason at all,or a movie can bring one on,or something i start thinking about get's me going and boom,a panic attack starts,and suffering with it is horrible,i've actually started running through my house trying to get away from myself,lol,it's not funny,but i was just so scared,and yes especially anything to do with breathing would send you into a frenzy. Just tell yourself,it's what i do,that this is normal for a panic attack and it will pass,these are normal feelings,and take deep breathes and slowly let it out,and it will pass.
Im sorry to hear you going through this,as i have the worst kind,the sense of not being in reality,of going crazy,et cetera,and it freaks me out so so bad,but the xanax has helped so much,as before i couldnt even go to the store because i was so afraid of having one in front of other people,but i've also learned how to calm myself down too(like i said above),try it,just tell yourself your ok,this is normal,it will pass,take deep breathes,and keep telling yourself that. another thing i would do,this might sound very childish,but i'd get my kids coloring book and start to color and before i knew it,i wasnt thinking about it anymore,i guess it was just something that was taking my mind off it,as with a panic attack i've learned you can actually make it worse freaking out,so the best thing to do is stay calm and just tell yourself your fine,normal,its going to pass,or do something that will take your mind off it,otherwise you can actually make it escalate. are you on any meds for panic disorder? good luck to you and sorry to hear what your going through,i know all to well how scary it feels.
fashionista38
8 Dec 2009
Absolutely!! I believe this response is a very basic fight or flight response as we can't have life without breathe! I've never had panic disorder however, I realize it must be very challenging in many ways. I'm so sorry you have this condition.
When I had rhinoplasty, I would awake often the first two weeks in a near panic due to that same issue... there was NO way I could get even the smallest breathe through my swollen nasal passages!
I can empathize and I do hope you feel better soon...
oktoday
2 Dec 2009
Absolutely. When i get a stuffed up nose I feel I cant breathe and I can go into a panic attack. We rewire our brains to fight or flight and then the surge of adrenaline can rush into action, i can identify with you.
krissilee
2 Dec 2009
I completely get it! I have had a cold for the last few days and my anxiety has been through the roof! I have alot of post nasal dripping, and I constantly feel as though I will choke on it or that my throat will close up on me... In general, I think the fact that my breathing is not normal because of all this is what starts the panic attack in the first place, and from there, control is lost. I wish you the very best, and I hope it helps to know you are not alone!
uncomfortable in my skin
9 Nov 2009
funny you ask that. I get a rumble in my stomach stuffy nose or a headache and i freak thinking i am going to die. my arms fall asleep and i bit them to make sure i can still feel them and they are not numb and its me having a hard attack so i understand why a stuffy nose sends you into a panic
evadf
14 Sep 2009
NO, but I get the same way at times. Feel like I am suffocating. claustrophobic?
best of luck dave
MinaTarie82
13 Sep 2009
I have had panic disorder for 12 years (diagnosed) and one of the things that happens sometimes to me is I get numbness and tingling in my nose, I feel like I'm going to suffocate and even after blowing my nose a few times that feeling doesn't go away, this is actually a symptom of a panic attack for some people, I have even gone to the ER several times because I have COPD and Asthma and that I was having problems with that but it was from the panic attack. Good Luck it is a terrible feeling and I hope things get better for you. :)
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