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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Spriggy on March 22, 2005, at 18:52:41
I figured this one out; whenever I get a cold or the flu, I always get post nasal drip.
Whenever I get post nasal drip, I kind of have that "lump in the throat" feeling. When I lay down especially, it almost feels like I might choke.
THus the anxiety increases- I feel like I can't breathe well and that is what triggers anxiety/panic attacks.
Klonopin/benzo's don't seem to help when it's the PNdrip, almost seems like it makes me feel worse.
Any ideas how to clear this up soon without having a full blown anxiety attack?
Posted by Mark H. on March 22, 2005, at 19:07:16
In reply to anxiety from post nasal drip, posted by Spriggy on March 22, 2005, at 18:52:41
Spriggy,
If it's mainly a night-time concern, then a sedating antihistamine like Benadryl might help.
I've tried Nyquil for what you're describing, but I find that if I take the recommended dose, I wake up in the middle of the night with the jitters. I seem to be able to tolerate about half a dose of Nyquil.
I hope you find just the right thing for you.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2005, at 20:22:47
In reply to Re: anxiety from post nasal drip, posted by Mark H. on March 22, 2005, at 19:07:16
Nasal spray. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by awatts on March 22, 2005, at 20:49:14
In reply to anxiety from post nasal drip, posted by Spriggy on March 22, 2005, at 18:52:41
Never seen a panic attack that Xanax can't handle. It's much, much more effective on big-time, full-blown panic attacks than other benzos. I never leave home without it.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 22, 2005, at 21:51:22
In reply to Re: anxiety from post nasal drip, posted by awatts on March 22, 2005, at 20:49:14
I think that it is very helpful that you can recognize the cycle that you get yourself into. Does it help to tell yourself that it is just your cold and nothing fatal? You will be able to breathe, etc.
Are you in therapy? Cognitive behaviorally oriented treatment can often help w/ this sort of problem.Best,
EE
Posted by djmmm on March 23, 2005, at 10:17:56
In reply to anxiety from post nasal drip, posted by Spriggy on March 22, 2005, at 18:52:41
> I figured this one out; whenever I get a cold or the flu, I always get post nasal drip.
>
> Whenever I get post nasal drip, I kind of have that "lump in the throat" feeling. When I lay down especially, it almost feels like I might choke.
>
> THus the anxiety increases- I feel like I can't breathe well and that is what triggers anxiety/panic attacks.
>
> Klonopin/benzo's don't seem to help when it's the PNdrip, almost seems like it makes me feel worse.
>
> Any ideas how to clear this up soon without having a full blown anxiety attack?Try a nasal spray like afrin, along with a more sedating (older) antihistamine like benedryl. Try to avoid anxiety provoking cold meds (taken by mouth), like pseudoephedrine (and similar stimulants). You can also try zinc, vitamin C and Echinacea-Goldenseal.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on March 23, 2005, at 11:19:18
In reply to Re: anxiety from post nasal drip, posted by djmmm on March 23, 2005, at 10:17:56
> Try a nasal spray like afrin, along with a more sedating (older) antihistamine like benedryl. Try to avoid anxiety provoking cold meds (taken by mouth), like pseudoephedrine (and similar stimulants). You can also try zinc, vitamin C and Echinacea-Goldenseal.
I think this is good advice. If you suffer from seasonal allergies/hayfever, the prescription nasal spray works really good if you start it at or just before the beginning of the season that causes you trouble. The sprays are a little irritating the first day or two, but they really help a lot.
Also, if none of these suggestions help -- and they've all been good, including looking at your thinking -- then maybe try having an endocrinologist, or even a good intern, check out your thyroid. I have three small thyroid nodules (benign, as most are) and they're usually not a problem, but when I have postnasal drip I get the same kind of feeling: like I can't swallow or breathe sometimes. I usually feel better if I close my eyes, stop trying so hard for just a second, then will myself to relax, including my throat, and take a deep breath through my nose, expanding my lungs, followed by a quiet exhale.
Posted by yxibow on March 24, 2005, at 3:03:55
In reply to anxiety from post nasal drip, posted by Spriggy on March 22, 2005, at 18:52:41
> I figured this one out; whenever I get a cold or the flu, I always get post nasal drip.
>I'd agree with the Benadryl for a short term cold. Probably also peripherally help with your anxiety, as some anticholinergics do, and make you sleep better.
I'd be careful with things like Afrin for more than one application. They can lead to dependency and failure to work at all in the future. But the saline sprays are good for the sinuses and dont suffer from that.
If you consistently are plagued by post nasal drip, there may be some allergenic process.. prescriptions like Nasonex or Flonase would be better. But they're not just good for one-off.. its a longer term action.
Hope that helps.
This is the end of the thread.
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