Breathlessness in children

6) Breathlessness and anxiety

Nurse listening to teenager's chest with a stethoscope

© Crown copyright 2009

However, anxiety can become chronic:

  • In some people, this anxiety cycle can evolve into an altered breathing pattern.
  • This is even more common in people who already have a respiratory condition for example asthma.
  • It is less common (but can happen) in children.
  • It is more common in teenagers (and adults).