According to an article in the July/Aug issue of RD; Anxiety can be described as - "a future oriented emotional response to a perceived threat." I can be calm as a leaf on a still day, but have an appointment later in the day for say, a CT scan. Routine, my driver is picking me up, been there before, nothing scary - yet I feel SOB coming on. Many such activities can produce similar results.
Anxiety can increase heart rate, affect BP, and in my case cause SOB. Today I take Xanax when I feel an anxiety attack coming on. Very soon the SOB feeling dissipates, and all is good. I've used 25 tablets since August, so I don't feel I'm abusing it.
Other solutions {according to the article} are: 1- Accept it by applying ACT therapy of acceptance & commitment. 2 - be curious about it, using mindfulness techniques. 3 - Make life style adjustments, such as diet, sleep or exercise.
The author says a couple drugs SSRI's like Zoloft & Prozac, are considered non-addictive and safe for long term use. Another choice are Benzos {Xanax} for short time use. They can be addictive, and are not for long term {I assume he means continuous} use. They are fast acting. Note, these are brain altering drugs and should not be taken causally.
The key here is to figure what works for you. Anxiety induced SOB is no fun, either employ mind altering thoughts or drugs to get you thru that short term discomfort. //ed