How to Tell if Shortness of Breath Is from Anxiety

at Lyte Psychiatry, Best Adults and Adolescents Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You (Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You) Dallas & Arlington, TX

Feeling like you can’t catch your breath can be alarming — and it’s not always easy to tell if it’s caused by a physical health condition or by anxiety, shortness of breath is one of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety.

At Lyte Psychiatry, serving Dallas & Arlington, TX, we help adults and adolescents understand and manage anxiety’s physical effects, including breathing difficulties that can feel frightening but are often treatable.

Why Anxiety Can Cause Shortness of Breath

When you feel anxious, your body activates the fight-or-flight response, which increases heart rate, speeds up breathing, and tenses muscles to prepare you for perceived danger. This can cause:

⚠️ Rapid, shallow breathing (hyperventilation)

⚠️ Tightness in the chest

⚠️ A sensation of “air hunger”

⚠️ Difficulty taking a deep breath

While these symptoms can feel intense, they are often temporary and related to heightened stress or panic.

How to Tell If Shortness of Breath Is from Anxiety

It may be anxiety-related if:

⚠️ Symptoms appear suddenly during a stressful moment or panic attack

⚠️ Breathing returns to normal once you calm down

⚠️ It’s accompanied by other anxiety symptoms, such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, or racing thoughts

⚠️ You’ve had medical tests that ruled out heart or lung conditions

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Always seek emergency care if shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or other symptoms of a potential medical emergency. Anxiety is common, but it’s important to rule out conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or heart problems.

Tips to Manage Anxiety-Related Shortness of Breath

✅ Practice slow, deep breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6)

✅ Use grounding techniques to shift your focus away from anxious thoughts

✅ Engage in regular physical activity to improve lung capacity and stress resilience

✅ Work with a therapist or psychiatrist for long-term anxiety management

Breathe Easier with Support from Lyte Psychiatry and Schedule an Appointment With us (Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You)

We provide personalized treatment plans for both adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety-related symptoms.

You don’t have to live with constant worry about your breathing. At Lyte Psychiatry in Dallas & Arlington, TX, we’ll help you understand your symptoms, address anxiety at its root, and restore a sense of calm to both your body and mind.

To see our services. Click Here

To schedule an appointment. Click Here

Call us if you have questions at 469-733-0848

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can anxiety cause shortness of breath without a panic attack?

A: Yes. General anxiety can cause changes in breathing patterns even without a full panic attack.

Q: How long does anxiety-related shortness of breath last?

A: It often improves within minutes to hours once anxiety decreases, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated.

Q: Can breathing exercises really help?

A: Absolutely. They help regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, reducing the feeling of breathlessness.

Q: Should I see a doctor if I think my shortness of breath is from anxiety?

A: Yes, especially if it’s a new symptom. It’s important to rule out physical health conditions first.

Q: Does Lyte Psychiatry offer virtual visits for anxiety care?

A: Yes! We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments for Dallas & Arlington residents.