Symptoms of panic attacks can seem as if you are about to have a heart attack. They can cause you to feel dizzy, nauseated, and short of breath, flushed, and make your heart pound. Because these symptoms can mirror those of other serious health conditions, it’s important to seek medical evaluation, treatment, and to receive an accurate and proper diagnosis.
Symptoms of panic attacks frequently come on suddenly and without warning. Panic attacks usually last about 30 minutes, and peak within the first 5 to 10 minutes of the onset of symptoms. This of course varies between individuals, and some cases last much, much longer. If you experience repeated or frequent panic attacks, you may have a condition called panic disorder.
If you have experienced panic attacks before, you know how frightening they can be. Repeated instances of panic attacks can lead you to avoid situations that may trigger them, or be withdrawn or avoid social situations altogether. Because of the affects of this, you should either take steps to get your panic attacks under control, and if you cannot do this on your own, you should seek medical assistance.
Some of the various symptoms of panic attacks that you may experience include but are not limited to:
Rapid heart rate, feeling as if you might be having a heart attack
An impending sense of doom or imminent death
Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
Trembling
Shortness of breath and/or hyperventilation
Nausea
Abdominal cramping
Chest pain
Headaches, dizziness, or feeling as if you are about to faint or fainting
Tightness in your throat or trouble swallowing
If you experience any of these, or even other symptoms not listed in combination with those listed above you may be experiencing a panic attack.
As well, if you experience any of the above symptoms you should seek medical evaluation and assistance as once.
If you find out you suffer from panic disorder, know that you are not alone, and also that there are steps that you can take to minimize or even stop your panic attacks. An excellent resource is availabe at Stop Panic Attacks.
Tags: anxiety, anxiety attacks, panic, panic attacks, symptoms of panic attacks