A 40-year-old member asked:
how to know if i have panic attack or asthma?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Rupp answered
Allergy and Immunology 21 years experience
Sometimes Hard: The symptoms of anxiety and asthma can sometimes overlap. Particularly shortness of breath. The best way to tell the difference would be to do a spirometry when you are feeling symptoms and if it is normal then you know anxiety is the most likely answer. You could also do this with a peak flow meter but that is not as accurate. Also, asthma will not go away with time where anxiety may.
3752 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Asthma- panic: Panic attacks sxs: anxiety; rapid, pounding heart; chest tightness/pain; shortness of breath w hyperventilation; hot /cold flashes; butterflies in stomach, nausea or vomiting; tingling of mouth or extremities; ^ sweating; feeling faint or lightheaded; headache or shaking, difficulty swallowing or tight throat; They usually peak w/i 10 mins. Asthma sxs can include: difficulty breathing, chest >
1965 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Provided original answer
tightness or pain, coughing & wheezing.
Nov 17, 2015
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 36-year-old member asked:
How can I tell the difference between panic attack or asthma?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
You will know: And asthma there's a feeling of tightness in the chest with wheezing and inability to get air. The symptoms are limited to that plus some anxiety that will surround that feeling. With a panic attack, the feeling of anxiety is so intense that it is impossible to mistake it for anything else other than perhaps a heart attack. The feeling comes on suddenly and can last anywhere from minutes to hours and can include virtually every organ system in the body. It is not something that is limited to the respiratory system. I hope that explainsthe difference for you. If you have any further questions i would look at the symptoms of panic disorder as found on wikipedia.Com. Type in panic disorder and will find a nice article that explains thisvery well. Best wishes.
4689 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
How can you distinguish between asthma and a panic attack?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Panic attacks sxs:: anxiety; rapid, pounding heart; chest tightness/pain; shortness of breath w hyperventilation; hot /cold flashes; butterflies in stomach, nausea or vomiting; tingling of mouth or extremities; ^ sweating; feeling faint or lightheaded; headache or shaking, difficulty swallowing or tight throat; They usually peak w/i 10 mins. Asthma sxs can include: difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain,
3624 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Provided original answer
coughing & wheezing.
Oct 17, 2014
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jan 1, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
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.