Anxiety Over Breathing and Throat Problems
Greetings, I am a 25-year-old female who has recently dealt with a sore throat. In the past, I’ve experienced tonsil stones, which I’ve been able to manage effectively on my own by removing them. A few days ago, I noticed what seemed to be a tonsil stone again, although it felt softer than usual, and I couldn’t extract it with a cotton swab as I typically do. I suspect this might be the culprit behind my throat discomfort. Additionally, there were a couple of areas that I believe might be pus spots. My tonsils have shown mild swelling as well. Fortunately, as of today, I no longer feel pain in my throat. However, last night I woke up twice feeling as though I couldn’t breathe properly. I immediately got out of bed, and after moving around, I felt normal again. I’m uncertain if these issues are related, but my primary concern is the sensation of breathlessness at night. I apologize if this message is lengthy and scattered; I’ve just been feeling quite anxious. I've already booked the earliest appointment with my doctor for next Thursday, but I’m contemplating if I should seek urgent care before that. Thank you for your understanding and for providing support to others.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 1:40:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns; it’s understandable to feel anxious when dealing with throat issues and breathlessness. Your symptoms suggest that there might be a connection, likely related to your tonsils and possibly anxiety, especially given the recent incident with your breathing at night.
Summary of Key Points:
- You have a history of tonsil stones and are experiencing mild swelling and discomfort in your throat.
- You have recently felt breathless at night, which has caused you significant anxiety.
- You have an appointment with your doctor scheduled for next Thursday.
Explanation:
It sounds like your recent throat discomfort could be due to tonsil stones or mild tonsillitis, especially since the swelling has improved and you have no pain now. The breathlessness you experienced could be related to anxiety, especially when it occurred at night. This can happen when tensions are heightened or if there is an underlying respiratory response to irritation or anxiety.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms over the next few days, noting when you experience difficulty breathing or any changes in throat discomfort. Consider using a journal for this.
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Hydration and Humidification: Stay well-hydrated and consider using a humidifier in your bedroom at night. This can help soothe your throat and reduce irritation.
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Relaxation Techniques: To manage your anxiety, try incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, especially before bed. This may help decrease feelings of breathlessness caused by anxiety.
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Avoid Irritants: Avoid smoke, strong odors, and allergens that could further irritate your throat or respiratory system.
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Urgent Care Consideration: If your breathlessness worsens, you develop severe symptoms (like difficulty speaking, significant swelling, or high fever), or if you feel very anxious and unable to calm down, consider seeking urgent care before your doctor's appointment.
It’s great that you’ve already scheduled a doctor visit; they will be able to provide a thorough evaluation. In the meantime, focus on monitoring your symptoms and employing some self-care strategies to help ease your anxiety. Remember, you’re not alone in this – reach out for support if you need it!
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