Q: I suffer with minor anxierty attacks when I get a head cold and I'm all stuffy. I know I bring them on by over focusing on the stuffiness. What can I do to get this under control?
Bernie
Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice.
I would suggest speaking with your doctor to find out if there are any medications you can take to relieve the symptoms. For example, would a nasal spray help you? I know there are some natural nasal sprays which contain pepper that seem to help some people with congestion. (I haven't used one so I can't recommend based on experience or personal knowledge, but a few people I know have felt these were helpful.) Your doctor may know of some other methods as well.
Meditation certainly can be helpful, as can yoga or other relaxation techniques. If this occurs on a regular basis, you can also consider cognitive behavioral therapy which will help you to refocus your thoughts.
I hope this helps
Eileen
I had the same problem and found relief with an over-the-counter nasal spray recommended by my general practitioner. She said to try "Nasal-Crom" -- it is non-addictive and non-jittery and it works for me. You might have to order it online, though; it can be hard to find in pharmacies. It contains an ingredient not found in the usual saline nasal sprays.
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Thank you Eileen. I spoke with a co-worker who also suggested relaxtion techniques such as meditation along with some natural remedies such as fresh garlic and ginger tea which has definitely helped. The meditation and the refocusing of my over active brain has definitely helped. Thank you so much for your quick response.
Bernadette