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I understand what the article means about someone becoming dependent on paper bags if they have frequent attacks or panic disorder. My mother used to have a lot of panic attacks in the early stages of her Alzheimers and very quickly got reliant on paper bags being the panacea.
Caused far more problems than it ever should have done. It can also be dangerous if someone is having an asthma attack rather than a panic attack. When I was 12 I suffered from frequent panic attacks. The brown paper bag always worked for me.
Nurses at school even used it on me. Thank you for this. A paper bag can work for the reasons I have mentioned. However it can lead to a reliance on these and cause further problems. Hence they are no longer recommended.
Best wishes Emma. I have been hyperventilating often for the last few days and it is very scary as I keep looking for deep breaths and end up hyperventilating and my chest seems like its burning from over trying to breathe deep. Its frightening and scary. What can I do or take to alleviate this situation. Dear Georgina, So sorry you are experiencing these issues. The best way forward it to do breathing exercises.
But all of a sudden never in my life experience a panic attack it just happens. Thank God there was a nurse in from of us and she quickly passed me a paper bag and told me to breath slowly and that help so much, my body was all cramp up even my finger locked, i was so afraid after that they gave me oxygen and i calmed down. That sounds scary Ronald. Look after yourself. Your advice about a paper bag is wrong when it has helped so many people including patients I had to take care of.
Dear Kasey, really glad you have been able to help so many people. Controlled breathing is just as effective and does not carry the risks of reliance or on making things worse if they are having an asthma attack, rather than a panic attack. If you have a panic attack whilst at the wheel, please pull over and calm yourself with breathing exercises before continuing. Many thanks Emma. I have begun to have what my daughters and I think are panic attacks and possibly have developed a panic disorder.
I am in the process of being diagnosed with IIH. These attacks happen when I get emotionally upset. I start crying and it becomes so severe I quit breathing, and then cannot think how to breathe again. They have taken me by ambulance to the ER once, and called paramedics to my home once. I have had a total of 4 since January. It is very scary for them bc I lose consciousness sometimes. Does this sound like a panic attack?
Incredibly frightening for you. You should visit your doctor. There are some really helpful resources for this on the MIND website, including some great grounding techniques that may help.
It does sound like you could do with some additional help and support. Breathing becomes even more difficult because the person is trying too hard. Relax the tension in the face and the back of the neck.
As the muscles relax, the lungs are not constricted and they can move more easily. Helpful with anxiety and with panic. Yes, Look into grounding techniques as well. If i sleep evening frequently i wakeup with panic attack. I feel like i am going to die and my heart rate rapidly increased. At this time i drink suger diluted water ,regularaly breething and try to remember i have panic attack.. Yeah I had a bad panic attack a few years ago.
You can lose control of your bladder a little due to muscle spasms, yes. A little wee is quite normal, especially in more mature ladies? Please your advice help me. Thank you. Please I need your advice. Your email address will not be published. I accept the Privacy Policy.
Never miss out on vital updates — sign up here for our weekly newsletter. Facebook Twitter Instagram. Why do panic attacks happen?
What is panic? Physical reactions may be frightening and can include the following: A pounding and racing heart or even palpitations feeling your heart is stopping or missing beats Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking Shaking, tingling or numbness in your fingers and toes Feeling sick and dizzy Sweating Needing the loo Thinking you might die Feeling you are losing control of your mind — even that you are going crazy Aggressiveness, sometimes due to the wish to escape Difficulty breathing due to panic attacks should not be confused with asthma.
Click here for our Mental Health First Aid online course Asthma Asthma is an extremely common chronic and potentially life-threatening condition.
How to help if someone is having a panic attack Reassure them; they may be unable to explain what has caused them to panic and do not pressure them to do this, your calm presence should help. Remove them from anything obviously causing distress. Encourage them to focus on their breathing and breathe calmly and slowly, in and out through their nose and out of their mouth, to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being lost.
Small sips of water may help to calm them. Stamp on the spot. Some people find this helps control their breathing. Try grounding techniques. Grounding techniques can help someone feel more in control.
They are especially useful if experiencing dissociation a feeling of disconnect or flashbacks during panic attacks. Encourage them to concentrate on sounds around them Walk barefoot Wrap them in a blanket Touching something or sniffing something with a strong smell. Focus on the sensations right now. Some people keep a box of things with different textures and smells for example perfume, a blanket and some smooth stones ready for when they need it.
Paper bags Do not suggest breathing in and out of a paper bag. About us First Aid for Life cover anaphylaxis and asthma on all our full day courses. Written by Emma Hammett for First Aid for Life Award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs — Please visit our site and learn more about our practical and online courses.
Dixie Burge on June 28, at am. Emma Hammett on June 28, at am. It can also be dangerous if someone is having an asthma attack rather than a panic attack Reply.
Breathing exercises can also be practiced to produce a similar effect. In a recent conversation with Dr. Scott Elkin , he discussed how it is also helpful for tension headaches and demonstrated its effectiveness with some breathing exercises to help a team member. For further information, read about anxiety counseling , or make a counseling appointment so we can be of help to rule out other potential causes.
You can also find more information on how to deal with panic attacks here. Facebook Twitter Youtube. August 7, Then remove the bag from your nose and mouth and take easy, natural breaths. Next, try belly-breathing diaphragmatic breathing.
Alternate these techniques until your hyperventilation stops. Do not use a paper bag if: You have any heart or lung problems, such as coronary artery disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, emphysema , or a history of deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
Rapid breathing occurs at a high altitude [above m ft ]. Breathing faster than normal is a natural response to an increased altitude.
Follow these precautions when using the bag method: Do not use a plastic bag. Do not breathe continuously into a paper bag. Take 6 to 12 natural breaths, with a paper bag held over your mouth and nose, then remove the bag from your nose and mouth. Do not hold the bag for the person who is hyperventilating. Allow the person to hold the bag over his or her own mouth and nose.
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