Physiotherapy - Panic spiral for use in breathlessness

Breathlessness can be exhausting and distressing, however it is important to remember it is not harmful.

When you feel breathless it can also make you feel anxious and if you feel anxious you can also feel breathless. These two things are very closely related and can make each other seem worse.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, your physiotherapist can provide you with techniques and strategies to help control your breathlessness and make you feel less anxious.

The below ‘Panic Spiral’ shows what can happen when you are experiencing panic or breathlessness.

Panic spiral diagram

 

Date of Review: February 2025
Date of Next Review: February 2027
Ref No: PI_DS_376 (BRO)

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