Anxiety, I think?

Question:

Since I was 10 (I'm much older now) I have had occasional episodes where I feel the need to yawn to have a satisfying breath and that sometimes leads to hyperventilating. I discussed this with my doctor before and he basically sent me to an ear, nose and throat specialist to no avail. I know it's all in my head and that I'm not going to die from it but it still continues. It seems to happen when I'm not occupied with something and have too much time on my hands. Could this be anxiety? Are there medications, holistic or otherwise, that would help?

Answers:
No one can tell you absolutely if this is anxiety. With regard to hyperventalation, while it is certainly uncomfortable it is not life threatening. If you continue to hyperventilate you will experience the tingling sensation in your hands, arms, chest etc. and eventually pass out. Then your body takes over and restores your oxygen level. Hyperventilation is the result of too much oxygen in the blood. The basic treatment is to have the patient breath into a paper bag. This restores the carbon dioxide levels and alleviates the symptoms. Sometimes patients who are experiencing their first attack are amazed at how quickly the symptoms dissipate by using the paper bag trick. Eventually most patients realize that they do not have to carry a bag around with them but, if they control their breathing they can control the symptoms. Now...if a patient has numerous episodes of hyperventilation it becomes necessary to treat for anxiety. If you find that this is happening to you rather frequently please get help as soon as possible. Sometimes these attacks of panic can escalate to where they start to alter your life dramatically. best wishes

The symptoms sound a bit like OCD since you say it is your thoughts you can't control. If you are against medication you might want to try yoga or meditation to help you gain a sense of control over your mind, body, and spirit.

Anxiety, I think?

Health Resources