You’re suddenly gasping for air. Your chest feels tight. Your heart races. Fear takes over. For a few moments, it’s hard to tell whether what’s happening is anxiety or something more serious. Many people confuse panic attacks and asthma attacks, since both make breathing feel impossible.
The two share overlapping symptoms. Yet their causes and treatments are completely different. Understanding the difference can help you respond quickly. You can stay safe and seek the right care when it matters most.
Why They Feel So Similar
When you can’t catch your breath, your body immediately signals distress, and that panic can intensify your symptoms. This is why asthma and panic attacks can feel nearly identical at first.
An asthma attack is a physical condition. The airways become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult for air to move through the lungs. In contrast, a panic attack is an emotional and physiological response to anxiety or stress, often caused by the body’s “fight or flight” system going into overdrive.
In both situations, you may have shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or trembling. One is caused by airway inflammation and reduced airflow. The other is triggered by adrenaline and hyperventilation. Recognizing subtle distinctions helps you react appropriately and avoid worsening symptoms.
What an Asthma Attack Feels Like
An asthma attack often starts with a dry cough or mild chest tightness. Wheezing can gradually worsen. These symptoms occur because airways in the lungs narrow and swell. This limits airflow.
People experiencing an asthma attack often describe a heavy or squeezing sensation in the chest. Breathing becomes labored, especially when exhaling. Talking, walking, or even resting may feel exhausting.
Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander. Cold air, respiratory infections, exercise, or strong emotions can also start an episode. For those with chronic asthma, attacks can be mild or severe. Quick relief often comes from an inhaler or prescribed medication.
If symptoms don’t improve after using your rescue inhaler or breathing becomes extremely difficult, it’s important to seek immediate medical care.
What a Panic Attack Feels Like
A panic attack often feels sudden and overwhelming. Even though the lungs are physically capable of taking in air, the body’s stress response makes breathing feel restricted. The brain interprets this sensation as danger, which intensifies the anxiety, creating a feedback loop that can make symptoms worse.
During a panic attack, your breathing becomes rapid and shallow. Your heart rate spikes, and you may feel dizzy, shaky, or detached from your surroundings. Many people describe feeling like they’re suffocating or losing control.
Unlike asthma, panic attacks typically peak within 10 to 20 minutes and then slowly subside. Oxygen levels in the blood remain normal, even though it feels like you can’t get enough air. The episode often resolves with controlled breathing, reassurance, and grounding techniques.
How to Tell the Difference
Distinguishing between a panic attack and an asthma attack can be difficult at the moment, but paying attention to certain signs helps.
During an asthma attack, you may hear wheezing, a whistling sound when exhaling, and experience tightness that feels like your lungs physically can’t expand. Using a rescue inhaler usually brings noticeable relief within minutes.
In a panic attack, chest tightness may feel sharp or stabbing, but the airways remain open. Breathing exercises, slow counting, or focusing on the environment can gradually calm symptoms. There’s no wheezing, and oxygen levels typically stay steady.
Another key difference lies in duration. Panic attacks come and go in short bursts, while asthma symptoms can linger or worsen without treatment. If you’re ever unsure, it’s safest to treat the episode as asthma, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition.
When Panic and Asthma Overlap
For some people, the two conditions occur together. An asthma episode can trigger panic, especially if breathing becomes difficult, while anxiety can make asthma symptoms feel more severe.
When this happens, both the body and mind react: inflammation restricts breathing, while stress tightens chest muscles further. Managing both conditions often requires a combined approach, using asthma medication alongside relaxation or therapy techniques to reduce anxiety.
If you find yourself panicking during asthma symptoms, focus on staying calm, use your prescribed medication, and practice steady breathing. Seeking medical support early can help prevent complications.
How to Respond in the Moment
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, stay as calm as possible and focus on what your body is telling you.
If you have asthma, use your inhaler as directed and note whether symptoms improve. If breathing remains labored, speech becomes difficult, or you feel dizzy or faint, seek urgent care or call emergency services.
If you suspect a panic attack, sit or stand in a stable position. Breathe slowly, inhale through your nose for four seconds, exhale through your mouth for six. Remind yourself that the episode will pass and that your body is safe.
Regardless of the cause, difficulty breathing should never be ignored. Medical professionals can determine the root cause and help you find the right treatment plan.
Preventing Future Episodes
Both asthma and panic attacks can be managed effectively with preparation and awareness.
For asthma, prevention starts with identifying your triggers and sticking to your prescribed treatment plan. Keep your inhaler accessible, maintain regular checkups, and avoid known irritants like smoke or strong fragrances.
For panic attacks, consistency matters. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can also lessen the likelihood of sudden anxiety episodes.
If you live with both asthma and anxiety, tell your healthcare provider. They can tailor a care plan that addresses both your respiratory and emotional health, ensuring your symptoms don’t spiral during stressful moments.
When to Visit Urgent Care
It’s not always easy to tell whether a breathing problem requires emergency attention, but a few red flags should never be ignored. Seek urgent care or emergency help if you experience:
- Severe shortness of breath that worsens quickly
- Blue or pale lips and fingertips
- Chest pain that does not ease with rest or inhaler use
- Dizziness, confusion, or fatigue
- No improvement after using the prescribed medication
At +MEDRITE Urgent Care, clinicians can perform lung function testing, monitor oxygen levels, and assess whether your symptoms are caused by asthma, anxiety, or another condition. Quick evaluation ensures you receive the right treatment and peace of mind as soon as possible.
Knowing What’s Happening Helps You Stay Calm
Whether you’re dealing with a panic attack or an asthma attack, both can feel frightening and out of control. The good news is that neither has to take you by surprise. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing when to seek care can make all the difference.
If you’re ever uncertain about what’s causing your breathing problems, visit your nearest +MEDRITE Urgent Care for a same-day evaluation. Our experienced team can help you breathe easier and feel confident knowing what’s really happening when your body signals distress.