News and Articles on Health. Medical research topics.

Panic attack symptoms can vary, but in general most people experience the fear and nervousness that such an attack brings. A number of things happen during a panic attack, but the main thing is that your fear response is out of control. It is disproportionate to the current situation that you’re in, which is usually not very threatening.

In severe cases these panics can cripple your every day life and decrease the quality of your life dramatically. These attacks usually only last about 10 minutes, but it can seem like an eternity. Here are the most common panic attack symptoms that people report.

Difficulty breathing: Many people have increased respiratory rates and it can feel like someone is pushing on your chest.

Rapid heart rate: Almost anyone who’s ever experienced an attack knows that this dramatically increases.

Intense feeling of terror: You suddenly feel afraid of where you are and may even think that something terrible might happen to you.

Feel smothered or choking: You may especially feel smothered if you are in a bus or in a meeting where you’re sitting in a very cramped space.

Feeling faint and possibly dizzy: Many people feel faint because of the increased heart rate and respiration rate.

Shaking and trembling: Due to the increased adrenaline response many people experience shaking and trembling of their hands or legs.

Sweating: Most people will sweat during a panic episode mainly from the increase in fear.

Possible stomach ache and nausea: While not as common as other symptoms, some people do get stomach aches and feel nausea.

Tingling or numbness of the fingers and toes: This goes along with a feeling of fear.

Urge to use the bathroom: Due to your fight or flight response many people have an increased urge to use the restroom.

One of the major causes of panic disorders is stress and major life transitions. Panic attacks are very common, in fact 2.4 million adults are affected by this, and it is twice as common in women as in men. If you are experiencing panic episode, the best thing that you can do right now, besides seeking professional help, is to document when you feel them coming on, and under which situations.

Some people are able to cure their panic attacks simply by cutting out caffeinated products like coffee and soda. You may also want to think about exercising more and eat a better balanced diet. It is possible to cure your panic attacks symptoms if you take a systematic approach. Many people have to experiment with different treatments before they find a lasting cure.