What are panic attacks? If you are asking this question, then the chances are that either you or a loved one has experienced something that they think might have been an attack. This article explains exactly what a panic attack is and it also gives you some essential tips and techniques on how to deal with them effectively.

These attacks are not only traumatic for the sufferer but also for the onlooker who suddenly feels helpless. Some of the symptoms include breathlessness, pain the chest (with a feeling of constriction), increased heart rates, hot or cold flashes, burning sensations in the face or neck region, nausea, dizzy spells, vertigo, and more. To understand more about what a panic attack actually is, you ought to know the subtle differences between these symptoms and those related to a heart attack, as both are very similar.

Because of these similarities, the sufferer of an attack gets more anxious, which in turn can aggravate the situation even more.

What are some of the common causes of an attack?

The reasons could be varied including mental anxiety, stress, etc. The other common factors which cause attacks include side effect of some prescription drugs; environmental stress; drug, alcohol or tobacco withdrawal syndrome; and last but not the least, hereditary factors.

So what are panic attacks and can they can be controlled effectively?

Panic attacks are the sudden and unannounced onset of the symptoms mentioned earlier in this article, but an experienced sufferer ought to know the precise and specific trigger which can cause such an attack. Once the patient is aware of such triggers, he or she ought to take adequate precautions to avoid such conditions to recur. There are several common approaches which help in controlling attacks and these include:

  • Practicing regulated breathing techniques.
  • Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga which calm the mind and the body.
  • Anti-anxiety medication as prescribed by physician.

It is important to remember that these attacks could be an indication of a deep-rooted illness and a doctor must be consulted if you find that the symptoms are persistent. So to answer the initial question of ‘what are panic attacks’ - watch out for these early symptoms:

  • Rapid rise in heart beats.
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Skin turning pale or reddish in color
  • Breathlessness

If you think you or a love one has experienced an attack or are likely to, you should worry. There is help out there and there are ways of curing them or at the very least getting them under control.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google

No Comments »

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

| Copyright 2009 |
online pharmacies no prescription drugs list of pain killers buy xanax pharmacy drugs online meridia online