Panic attack during hard swim set.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

DeniseMW — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 02:48:24 GMT

Good luck with the ENT. Let us know what you find out. Panic attacks are no fun, having had a few myself in the pool, but I'm not an experienced swimmer like you. I'm genetically predisposed, and didn't think I'd ever be able to even put my face in the water because I'm so claustrophobic.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

O_DeeDee — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 05:10:38 GMT

OK, I am back. Cardiologist cleared me but sent me to Pulmonary doctor because my oxygen saturation went from 98 to 88%. Chest xray was clear. Pulmonary Doctor cleared me with flying colors and said he does not believe anything is wrong with my lungs. So.... Thank goodness pulmonary doctor swims and has sinus issues. Next stop will be ENT. Have had sinus issues forever which are only getting worse. I was very congested during my "panic attacks" but probably could not get air which made me panic. Congestion does get very thick and does accumulate in throat. Sometimes have to hack a lot to get throat cleared. Sounds gross. It is.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

Former Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 13:58:22 GMT

Sorry I didn't get back sooner ,but was thinking about you while a swam yesterday. A few thoughts. Your breathing should regulate your stroke, not the other way around. If you are overworking , and under breathing your deficit will catch up on you. Has anyone looked at your stroke lately. Whats your stroke count for 25 yards,...13 or 22? Are you under too long on your flip turns? Does this happen in open water when you are not contending with under water turns. If you continue to trigger the panic response, you are ill practicing. You might want to slow things down and rebuild. Other things. Too much coffee?. Dehydration? trying to keep up with someone in other lane? I think a lot of us have at one point or another experienced a lack of oxygen/clusterphobia and the like, watch for the trigger signs and figure it out . Doctors and meds are real easy ...beware...and good luck.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

__steve__ — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 10:25:30 GMT

I get a panic attack at least once each meet. It is purely caused by too much adrenalin or something. It gradually becomes more intense and builds up to a climax to when the "start horn" goes off on the block. I feel out of breath and I can see my heart pounding from my chest. I do breath control exercises to calm it, which helps, but sometimes knocks my heart beat off rhythm. Just typing this gives me mild symptoms lol. I found that an icebreaker heat early on (like 50 fly, back, 100IM) in my warm-up shorts, before my target events significantly helps. Too much anxiety kills my performance (e.g., screwed up starts and turns, almost fell off the block recently, etc), but when it's under control I found it to be quite powerful. Hopefully you are experiencing nerves too, good luck with your medical appointment

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

Former Member — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 13:42:34 GMT

As already mentioned, check with your doctor. However, if you are predisposed to having a panic attack, or are already suffering from anxiety, then the increased physiological arousal could plausibly be a trigger.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

O_DeeDee — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 08:27:47 GMT

Thanks for all your replies. I have cardiologist appt tomorrow. Still swimming but not hard right now. Clinic I went to said probably not asthma as did not wheeze.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

Allen Stark — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 06:12:34 GMT

It does sound like exercise induced asthma is likely,but see a Dr. to be sure and to get treatment.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

O_DeeDee — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 03:52:36 GMT

cannot get enough air when swimming all out sets.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

Former Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:27:59 GMT

define your " Panic attack", that will give us a lot more to work on.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

O_DeeDee — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:09:38 GMT

Thx for your quick reply. no hrm on at time. tried finger on throat and seemed fine. doing breathing exercises at home now. but will see a dr. Google said exercise induced asthma and to try inhaler.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

secondheart — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 10:02:21 GMT

I have had 2 panic attacks this week during a hard swim set. Feel like I cannot get enough air. Feels awful. Please help. These may not be panic attacks. Lack of oxygen may be related to a heart issue see a MD before you workout again.

RE: Panic attack during hard swim set.

jackback — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 06:07:44 GMT

you should get a visit with your MD a soon as available ... would want to rule out a possible medical issues ... did you monitor your heart rate during these attacks ? ... i would take it very easy until seen ... good luck