I understand the anxiety that goes hand in hand with severe shortness of breath. I went to the ER recently with severe shortness of breath and sincerely thought I wouldn't make it. Now I live in fear of another exacerbation. I work very hard to stay calm when I start to get short of breath and don't shy away from using rescue Albuterol. Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth does, indeed, help. The first few breaths force you not to gulp air, but it is a bit scary in itself. Let's face it, shortness of breath is scary and I know staying calm is vital, but I sympathize with you; a lot easier said than done. Don't let shortness of breath get ahead of you before you sit down and start breathing through your nose and out your mouth. Thoughts are with you.