Seffie
24-05-12, 19:59
Hi just wondered if anyone else has experienced this.
I have a history of panic & anxiety but have been much better in recent years despite going through a difficult menopause! Sometimes when I have a severe hot flash it causes me to start hyperventilating (chronically not acutely). I saw a respiratory physio who helped me learn some breathing exercises & these have helped a lot.
So today it's really hot, I go to the garden centre & as soon as I start walking around & getting hotter it triggers hyperventilation. My heart rate isn't especially fast but I'm breathing really high up in my chest & just can't seem to stop it, even with my breathing exercises. My chest muscles tighten up & although I can breathe, I'm aware it's really shallow & uncomfortable. I was worried that I would faint in the heat or something. Now that I've cooled down it's stopped but just wondered if anyone else suffers from hyperventilation in the heat or during a hot flush.
I'm just worried that it's not normal & is something I should get checked out. I see people much older than me walking around in the heat no problem. I'm not fit but am a healthy weight.
Btw - I don't have asthma - my doctor checked me already for that. My peak flow was borderline but she said hers was too & she agreed my symptoms were more likely chronic hyperventilation.
Would be grateful for any replies!
Seffie x
I have a history of panic & anxiety but have been much better in recent years despite going through a difficult menopause! Sometimes when I have a severe hot flash it causes me to start hyperventilating (chronically not acutely). I saw a respiratory physio who helped me learn some breathing exercises & these have helped a lot.
So today it's really hot, I go to the garden centre & as soon as I start walking around & getting hotter it triggers hyperventilation. My heart rate isn't especially fast but I'm breathing really high up in my chest & just can't seem to stop it, even with my breathing exercises. My chest muscles tighten up & although I can breathe, I'm aware it's really shallow & uncomfortable. I was worried that I would faint in the heat or something. Now that I've cooled down it's stopped but just wondered if anyone else suffers from hyperventilation in the heat or during a hot flush.
I'm just worried that it's not normal & is something I should get checked out. I see people much older than me walking around in the heat no problem. I'm not fit but am a healthy weight.
Btw - I don't have asthma - my doctor checked me already for that. My peak flow was borderline but she said hers was too & she agreed my symptoms were more likely chronic hyperventilation.
Would be grateful for any replies!
Seffie x