Panic attacks can have a huge impact on your physical health; learn how

Panic attack It is a sudden episode in which a person is faced with intense fear or discomfort that triggers severe physical reactions and usually occurs without any clear cause. A person suffering from a panic attack presents symptoms such as sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, tachycardia and a feeling of losing control.

Panic attacks can be extremely distressing times and may feel like a heart attack, however, they may not be physically harmful. Panic attacks usually peak within minutes and can occur unexpectedly or in situations that your brain perceives as stressful. While they are not life-threatening, they can significantly affect daily life and physical health and you may need professional treatment for effective management.

Here, take a look at how panic attacks can have a major impact on your physical health.

Increased heart rate and palpitations

During a panic attack, the body’s “fight or flight” response is triggered, causing a rapid heart rate and palpitations. This sudden increase in cardiac activity can be alarming and may cause people to believe they are having a heart attack, causing additional anxiety and stress on the cardiovascular system.

Difficulty breathing

Panic attacks often cause difficulty breathing, which can make people feel as if they are suffocating. This rapid, shallow breathing upsets the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood, leading to dizziness, tingling sensations, and lightheadedness.

Muscle tension and pain

The body’s natural response to stress is to tense muscles, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and even muscle spasms. Chronic panic attacks can cause muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back, leading to persistent discomfort and physical fatigue.

Gastrointestinal discomfort

Panic attacks can also affect the digestive system, often causing nausea, stomach cramps, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The sudden rush of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, can disrupt normal digestive functions, causing discomfort, diarrhea, or a feeling of “knot” in the stomach.

Sweating and chills

During a panic attack, the body’s stress response may cause sudden sweating, hot flashes, or chills. These symptoms are part of the body’s attempt to cool itself down during periods of heightened anxiety, but they can be unsettling and uncomfortable, leaving a person feeling physically exhausted.

Chest pain

Many people who suffer from panic attacks feel a sharp pain or pressure in their chest that is often mistaken for a heart attack. This pain is a result of muscle tension, rapid breathing, and increased anxiety. While not dangerous, the chest pain associated with panic attacks can be frightening and can increase overall physical tension.

Fatigue and exhaustion

The intense physical response of a panic attack consumes a lot of energy, so you feel exhausted afterwards. This fatigue is not only mental but also physical, as the body works hard to return to a normal state, resulting in tiredness.

Dizziness and lightheadedness

Because of hyperventilation and rapid changes in blood flow, people may feel dizzy or lightheaded during a panic attack. This can lead to fear of fainting, which further aggravates anxiety.