Am I Having An Asthma Attack Or Anxiety?
Some features can help you tell the difference between an asthma attack and anxiety. They can both cause a feeling of chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Asthma attacks typically include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Decreased oxygen uptake
Anxiety and panic attacks typically cause:
- Hyperventilation (e.g., shallow, rapid breathing)
- Increased uptake of oxygen
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
Common triggers for asthma attacks include:
Common triggers for anxiety and panic attacks include:
- Stress
- Phobias
- Significant life changes
Talk about your symptoms with your doctor. They’ll make a diagnosis, and create a treatment plan.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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