The rapid and shallow breathing caused by the release of adrenalin may lead to over-breathing. Some people become so frightened of their shallow breathing they feel as if their breathing will stop completely. In other instances people feel they can’t take a deep breath because of the tightness in their chest.
Over-breathing is known as hyperventilation, and its symptoms are similar to those of an attack. We can experience pins and needles, light-headedness and dizziness. When we hyperventilate the original symptoms of the attack are intensified by the additional symptoms of hyperventilation.
I have only met a few people who have actually fainted. Some people have told me they have occasionally fallen to the floor, but even then they have never lost consciousness. Even if it does happen, there is nothing to be alarmed about. It is just the body’s way of getting control of the situation so it can stabilise itself.
It is important to point out that if this hasn’t already happened, then it probably never will. If it were going to happen it would have during the initial stages of the disorder.
The effects of hyperventilation can be alleviated quite easily by taking the time to breathe very slowly and deeply. Sometimes just holding our breath for ten seconds can help to return breathing to normal.
Another simple and effective way to stop these symptoms is to cup our hands over our mouth and nose and breathe into them. We will feel the symptoms easing. This method is a variation on the most common technique of easing hyperventilation—breathing into a paper bag. However, most of us do not want to do that, because we do not want to draw attention to ourselves.
With so many symptoms centred on our heart and breathing it is only natural we are frightened we may die. Understanding why we have these symptoms, and understanding why they won’t hurt us, will help us to lose the fear. When we lose the fear we turn off the adrenalin and the symptoms ease.
When we are assured by our doctor that there is nothing wrong with our heart and our breathing, we need to accept it. Our recovery depends upon it. If we don’t accept it, we will continue to be afraid of our experiences and our fear will perpetuate the disorder. If we still doubt the diagnosis or experience any new symptoms, then we need to speak to our doctor again.
*53\94\8*
Write a comment!