Coping with Shortness of Breath: Controlling Stress When you
have lung problems, it may be hard for you to breathe. Stress
can cause shortness of breath. Learn to relax and control stress
to prevent shortness of breath and avoid panic. When Anxiety
Takes Over When you feel short of breath, your neck, shoulder,
and chest muscles tense. You become anxious and begin to breathe
faster. Your breathing muscles tire and trap air in your lungs.
Your chest may feel tight. Anxiety increases and you may start
to panic. Stop Panic Before It Starts The key to controlling
panic is to break the cycle before it starts. When you are
becoming short of breath, sit, relax your arms and shoulders,
and lean forward, resting your upper body on your forearms.
Breathe in slowly and deeply, then exhale slowly and fully. Take
at least twice as long to exhale as to inhale. Learn to Relax
Control stress by avoiding things that trigger stress and by
relaxing when you start feeling tense. Find a quiet place and
sit or lie in a comfortable