Most people don’t spend much time thinking about coughing or mucus production. But if you live with a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis, these things are likely on your mind a lot. And any change in your condition could easily put you on edge.
Up to 40 percent of people with bronchiectasis experience anxiety, according to research estimates. Chronic, uncontrollable coughing and mucus buildup can make you self-conscious or embarrassed when you’re in public. And if you’re dealing with shortness of breath or chest pain on top of it, any anxiety can quickly turn into a negative feedback loop.
“For patients with impaired lung function, faster breathing [caused by anxiety] can make that obstruction even worse and further contribute to their anxiety,” says Patrick Flume, MD, a pulmonologist at MUSC Health in Charleston, South Carolina.
Gaining control over your worries can be easier said than done, but it’s possible with the right tools. Try these expert-recommended tips to help you cope with anxiety about your bronchiectasis so you can feel calmer and more relaxed.
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