Panic Attack Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
A panic attack ( panic attack ) is an attack of fear that occurs suddenly and suddenly. This condition usually appears for no apparent reason. Panic attacks can strike at any time, even while sleeping.
People with panic attacks often feel like they are having a heart attack or are about to die suddenly. Even people having panic attacks can think they are dying because they feel they are having a heart attack.
Generally, panic attacks will only occur 1-2 times in a person’s life. However, some people can experience repeated panic attacks. Panic attacks that occur repeatedly and continuously indicate another condition, namely panic disorder.
Symptoms
Panic attacks can show quite a variety of symptoms, such as:
- heart beating fast (palpitations) and irregular, chest pain, shortness of breath
- feeling weak or about to pass out
- sweating
- shaking
- choking sensation
- nausea, dizziness
- tingling or numb fingers
- ringing ears
- sense of fear
This symptom is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack and sufferers often feel that they are going to die soon. However, the symptoms of a panic attack usually last only 5–20 minutes. Even though the symptoms that appear look serious, they are actually not dangerous.
Reason
The physical symptoms of a panic attack are caused by the body going into ‘ fight or flight ‘ mode. The body tries to inhale more oxygen so that breathing becomes faster. The hormone adrenaline is also produced by the body, so the heart rate becomes faster and the muscles become tense.
Panic attacks are thought to be a response given by the body as a form of defense because the body feels threatened. Several factors suspected of triggering this include trauma, stress, negative emotions, excessive caffeine consumption, and so on.
Diagnosis
Doctors can determine a panic attack diagnosis from a detailed medical interview and physical exam. Usually, symptoms that are quite serious, such as a heart attack, include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and fast heartbeat. However, these signs are just symptoms that are not related to heart disease.
Other symptoms also will not indicate a disease or problem in the sufferer’s body.
Treatment
Doing breathing exercises can relieve the symptoms of a panic attack. Breathing exercises that can be done such as:
- Inhale slowly, deeply and gently through your nose
- Exhale slowly, deeply and gently from the mouth
- Count from 1 to 5 on each inhale and exhale
- Close your eyes and focus on your breath
Prevention
Avoiding stress is one way to prevent panic attacks. Doing breathing exercises, exercising and eating regularly, avoiding caffeine, smoking and alcohol can also help prevent panic attacks or make panic attacks worse.