Breathing Disorders and Stress Management

Lung disease
Nasal congestion or rhinitis
Heart Disease
Acid reflux disease
Curvature of the spine or kyphoscoliosis
Lack of physical conditioning or obesity
Anxiety Disorder such as Panic Disorder (combined with hyperventilation syndrome)
Presence of a high fever
Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism
Overdosage of aspirin

It is important that you contact your medical professional if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms in order to determine if you indeed are suffering from a serious medical condition rather than symptoms of anxiety:

Sharp pain in the chest
Tightness in the chest
Difficulty breathing
Rapid or shallow breathing
Muscle tension
Dizziness
Mental confusion
Tingling in the extremities
Cold hands or feet
Heart palpitations
Feelings of anxiety or depression

Cigarette Smoking

One of the main causes for shortness of breath is cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of respiratory disorders and death in the United States. Smoking irritates your bronchial tubes and may trigger an asthma attack. Smoking also prevents the lungs from defending themselves from infections and has dramatic effects on your entire immune system functioning. Smoking increases bronchial infections and sinus infections in addition to your chances of developing lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. Similar results have been noted in individuals exposed to secondhand smoke.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has typically been thought of as a disease of the elderly, however; it is more common in women between the ages of 55 and 64. Lately, the rate of COPD has been decreasing in men and increasing in women, and has been associated with changes in smoking habits. In addition, patients with emphysema and COPD experience frequent psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression, feelings of hopelessness, sleep disturbances and memory problems.

Psychophysiological Training

Our program will teach you correct breathing exercises to promote the relaxation response and more effective and effortless breathing. The diaphragm is responsible for 75% of the breathing effort and when trained to work most efficiently, produces deep and relaxing breathing that promotes your overall physical and psychological health. Our program will teach you several different breathing exercises in addition to other stress management techniques including the power of autogenics, self hypnosis, guided imagery and visualization, mindfulness / meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. We utilize state-of-the-art biofeedback modalities including monitoring your muscle tension, peripheral temperature, skin conductance, respiration and heart rate. These techniques will allow you to learn about your own physiology and begin understanding how to improve both your physical and psychological well-being.

In Summary

Since Desert Women’s Health is dedicated to the comprehensive care of women, our experts are trained to assist you with challenges unique to women, and gear all of our resources to help you improve your health by developing a comprehensive approach to the management of your physical and mental health, including the challenges of weight management, nutrition, exercise, prevention of depression and anxiety, sleep hygiene, stress and relaxation management in addition to many other medical and psychological areas of concern specifically geared towards women helping other women. Please contact us for more information on how to join our program at Desert Women’s Health.

Sincerely,

Raila Horne, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

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