For many people living with aspergillosis—whether it’s ABPA, CPA, or another form—there’s a quiet fear that goes beyond the coughing, mucus, or fatigue. It’s the fear of simply not being able to breathe.

And when that fear takes hold, it can become a panic attack, made worse by breathlessness itself. It’s a vicious cycle: the harder it is to breathe, the more fear takes over… and the more fear takes over, the harder it becomes to breathe.

For some, these episodes can be so intense that they involve loss of bladder or bowel control, trembling, dizziness, or a terrifying feeling of doom. These are real physical symptoms. They’re not “just in your head.” They’re a nervous system in overdrive, reacting to what feels like a life-or-death moment.

You are not alone in this.

What Is a Breathing Panic?

A breathing panic (or panic attack triggered by breathlessness) is when a person’s body and mind go into full emergency mode — often without warning — because they feel they’re not getting enough air.

In aspergillosis, this can happen:

  • During a flare-up or infection

  • After exertion or exposure to allergens

  • At night, when mucus blocks airways

  • During coughing fits

  • When feeling isolated, scared, or overwhelmed

The body releases adrenaline, heart rate speeds up, muscles tighten, and breathing becomes shallow or frantic. The brain believes it’s under threat. And sometimes, that intense physical response can lead to involuntary bladder or bowel release, shaking, chest pain, or feeling faint.

“I Thought I Was Dying” — You’re Not Alone

Many patients describe these episodes as terrifying. Some feel embarrassed or afraid to tell others about what really happened — especially if they lost control of bodily functions. But this is not weakness or failure. It is the body doing its best to survive a perceived emergency.

There is no shame in what your body does when it’s frightened.

How to Cope During a Breathing Panic

Here are some tools used by people living with lung conditions to manage and reduce panic when it strikes:

1. Focus on the Out-Breath

When panicking, many people gasp for air. But exhaling fully is key. Try:

  • Pursing your lips like blowing out a candle

  • Slowly exhaling for longer than you inhale

  • Counting the exhale to 4 or 5 if you can

2. Ground Your Senses

To bring your mind back into your body:

  • Look around and name 5 things you see

  • Touch 4 things and describe their texture

  • Listen for 3 sounds

  • Smell 2 things

  • Say 1 thing out loud that you’re grateful for

3. Position Your Body

Sit upright or lean forward slightly. A position known as “tripod breathing” — resting forearms on a table or knees — can help open the lungs.

4. Cool Air on the Face

A small fan blowing gently on your face can help signal to the brain that it’s safe to slow down.

Preventing Future Panic Episodes

You can’t always avoid breathlessness, but you can build confidence in managing it:

– Respiratory Physiotherapy

Ask your GP or consultant to refer you to a respiratory physio. They can teach breathing control techniques that may reduce the risk of panic and improve mucus clearance.

– Psychological Support

Breathing panic has a huge emotional impact. You may benefit from talking therapies like:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) tailored to breathlessness

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) for chronic illness

  • Trauma-informed therapy if panic stems from medical trauma

In many parts of the UK, IAPT services offer free NHS therapy — you can even self-refer online.

– Pelvic Floor Support

If you’ve experienced bladder or bowel accidents during panic, there is help available. Continence nurses and pelvic health physios can offer discreet support, exercises, and advice to rebuild control and confidence.

You Deserve Support, Not Silence

Panic is not a failure. It’s your body’s alarm bell — but you don’t have to live in fear of it. With the right tools, support, and compassion (for yourself as well as from others), you can take steps to feel safer in your body again.

If you’ve been through this, speak to your respiratory team. They need to know. If you’ve felt alone, reach out to a support group — like the Aspergillosis Support UK group — where others truly understand.

You’re not alone. And you are stronger than your worst moments.

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