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Is it normal to have trouble breathing during a panic attack?

34 Answers
Last Updated: 04/27/2021 at 10:33am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
FeatherIce25
May 13th, 2015 7:25pm
Yes, some people face breathing difficulty during panic attacks. That is normal but never healthy. In such cases, practice breathing exercise and try to stay calm.
caringStar
May 8th, 2015 1:07pm
When we have pannic attack we have hyperventilation, we breathe too much and too quickly. This breath comes along with frequent sighs or with the need to take at times a deeper inspiration.
Neverwhere95
April 11th, 2015 11:37am
It's very normal, if unpleasant, to have trouble breathing during a panic attack. Some people feel like they can't breathe, others hyperventilate--it all depends on the person.
hopetowriteanewone
March 16th, 2015 12:20pm
It is completely normal to have trouble breathing during a panic attack. In some cases you may hyperventilate. In these instances, it is helpful to breathe in a brown lunch bag, or take a 5-10 minute walk outside.