Shortness of Breath, Racing Heart, & More
Panic attacks involve sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. People experiencing a panic attack may believe they are dying or going crazy. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them.
You may also think you're having a heart attack, and it's true that some of the symptoms can be similar. However, most people having a panic attack have had one before, triggered by a similar event or situation.
The chest pain of a panic attack usually stays in the mid-chest area (the pain of a heart attack commonly moves toward the left arm or jaw). You may also have rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, and fear. Panic attacks come and disappear suddenly, but leave you exhausted.
If you suddenly have four or more of these symptoms, you may be having a panic attack:
- Sudden high anxiety with or without a cause
- A "racing" heart
- Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
- Shaking
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
- Sense of terror, or impending doom or death
- Feeling sweaty or having chills
- Nausea
Chest pain or discomfort- Breathing difficulties, including a "smothering" sensation or shortness of breath
- A feeling of choking
- Feeling a loss of control
- A sense of unreality
- A fear of going crazy or losing control
- A fear of dying
Panic attacks are generally brief, lasting less than 10 minutes, although some of the symptoms may last longer. An isolated panic attack, while extremely unpleasant, is not uncommon or life-threatening.
Panic attacks can be a symptom of other anxiety disorders, and people who’ve had one panic attack are at greater risk for another compared to those who’ve never had one. Panic attacks and panic disorder are not the same thing. When the attacks happen repeatedly and you worry about having more episodes, you may have panic disorder.
Readmore : How to Deal With Anxiety Attacks
Source: www.webmd.com
