Understanding Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks demonstrate numerous symptoms, which usually range from mild aggression to unbearable attacks. In most cases a panic or anxiety attack can bring about a very intense feeling of worry that may develop into feelings of physical illness, fear, and discomfort.

In other cases, there is a certain event or situation that triggers the said attack, however, there is still a possibility that the set off of such attack is unknown. This phenomenon may happen in random and may come on also instantly. If an attack occurs, the body then produces hormones that prepare our body for the “fight or flight” activity, which gives rise to more propounding symptoms.

A person suffering from anxiety attacks may feel like he/ she is experiencing a heart attack, or he’s having difficulty breathing, thus, making them fall into a conclusion that they’re really going to die. This may give them an idea to try to escape from the area to help them run way from the feelings of panic or anxiety. The symptoms that commonly occur for such attack includes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which is often associated with chest pain or tightness, facial or skin flushing, profuse sweating, dizziness a feeling of throwing up or stomach abnormality and lightheadedness sensation.

For most anxiety attack sufferers, chest tightness or a feeling of chest pain precipitates the attack, which prompts them the idea that they are in need of emergency services. Anxiety attacks are triggered and caused by different factors. Heredity plays only one factor for this. Studies have shown that this kind of condition can be inherited and tend to run or be carried in the families.  

On the other hand, it is also reported that some people without any family history may as well develop anxiety attacks. Therefore; we cannot guarantee that the cause of such a condition can be firmly based and linked on heredity alone. Several panic attacks are reportedly attributed to improper lifestyle, which includes diet deficiencies most particularly vitamin B deficiency.  

If a person is laid open to real threat or danger for over a long span of time, anxiety attacks may lead to phobia. Aside from that, the use or application of caffeine can induce such attacks, most especially throughout  the withdrawal process. Analysis of some doctors had also sustained that diseases like anemia, and thyroid problems can result to panic or feelings of anxiety and if not treated instantly it may develop into more complex and full blown attacks.  

Traumatic experiences are also another factor that triggers the attack. If an attack occurs, extra adrenaline is produced that prepares our body for any strenuous physical activity like running, in order to flee from the threat. However, if no physical activity takes place, carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and in the heart increases which cause sensations of numbness and feelings of nausea. To alleviate this attacks one is usually directed to breathe in a paper bag. Furthermore, taking deep breathes can slow down and restore blood pressure to acceptable levels, which then decreases the intensity of anxiety attacks.