Panic attack is a sudden episode wherein one faces intense fear or discomfort that triggers severe physical reactions and this usually happens without any clear cause. A person who has a panic attack shows symptoms of sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, racing heart and a feeling of losing control.

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

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

During a panic attack, the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response is triggered which causes rapid heart rate and palpitations. This sudden increase in heart activity can be alarming and might lead people to believe that they are having a heart attack, causing additional anxiety and stress on the cardiovascular system.

Panic attacks often cause difficulty in breathing which can make people feel as though they are suffocating. This rapid and shallow breathing disrupts the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood, thereby, causing dizziness, tingling sensations and a feeling of lightheadedness.

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

Panic attacks can also impact the digestive system, often causing nausea, stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The sudden rush of stress hormones such as adrenaline can affect normal digestive functions, leading to discomfort, diarrhoea or a ‘knot’ sensation in the stomach.

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

A lot of people who experience panic attacks have sharp chest pain or pressure which is often mistaken for a heart attack. This pain results from muscle tension, rapid breathing and increased anxiety. While this is not dangerous, chest pain associated with panic attacks can be frightening and can add to the overall physical strain.

The intense physical response of a panic attack uses a lot of your energy, thereby, leaving you feeling exhausted afterwards. This fatigue is not just mental but also physical, as the body works hard to return to a normal state which results in tiredness.

Due to hyperventilation and rapid changes in blood flow, people might feel dizzy or lightheaded during a panic attack. This can lead to a fear of fainting, further aggravating anxiety.

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