A member asked:

Can an anxiety attack cause you to cough to the point that you are gasping for air? symptoms are, rapid heart beat, difficulty breathing.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Yes it can: Yes, anxiety attacks can make you gasp for air ; have rapid pulse. However, you also need a medical evaluation for these issues since asthma and other causes can result in similar outcomes. Panic attacks can cause all kinds of physical symptoms -- but please don't jump to that explanation without complete workup. If it's indeed anxiety, please know there are excellent treatments!

Dr Fowler and 3 doctors agreed

Answered 1/27/2014

4.7k views

Thank

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

A member asked:

Can an anxiety attack cause you to cough to the point that you are gasping for air? symptoms are, rapid heart beat, difficulty breathing.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Dr Fowler and 3 doctors agreed

Related Questions

A member asked:

Bi polar type 2, cries allot, lately has been having trouble breathing when upset like an anxiety attack, can this cause future heart problems?

A member asked:

How can I tell if shortness of breath or feeling of odd breathing is caused by anxiety or heart problem? Not pregnant, normal echo/ecg last year

A member asked:

Is it possible to have a heart attack without any warning signs? Symptoms of heart attack (dizziness, anxiety, cough, fainting, etc) are very similar to other conditions, how can I figure out if those are signs of heart attack?

A member asked:

I have been having anxiety/panic attacks and was on sertraline 50mg daily for 4weeks.I have stopped and experiencing stuffnose,shortness of breath,chest /body pains,cough,overall body weakness,and increased heart rate are these withdrawal symptoms?

A member asked:

Back/chest tightness, difficulty breathing, faster heart rate. Chest xray, urinalysis, EKG normal. Still feel the same. Could it be my anxiety?

Sponsored Content

People also searched for:

Sudden heart palps, tightness in chest, nausea, irritable, rapid breathing, Dry cough. Panic/anxiety attacks?

I am experiencing heart palpitations and nasal congestion. The following also describe me: Nasal drainage, Difficulty breathing through nose, Post nasal drip, Runny nose, Feeling anxious, Sneezing, Sore throat, Cough, and Thick saliva or mucus. ?

How can anxiety cause such severe shortness of breath? How can the chest discomfort and breathing difficulty be so bad if I have good heart/lungs?

Not sleeping, irregular periods, violent coughing, insomnia, depression, anxiety, rapid heart beats, weight loss, difficulty breathing. What's wrong?

Can a anxiety attack cause shaking and fast heart beat and fast heart rate and fever and shallow breathing and how can I calm down when I get a anxiety attack?

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?