Many people who suffer the symptoms of anxiety attacks tend to be almost ashamed that they feel them, so they do not bother to consult a doctor, or a close friend. Minor symptoms of anxiety like surges of adrenalin and palpitations continue, and in time can have serious affects on the human body. Although our bodies are designed to have that anxiety response to things and pump us full of adrenaline, ready to run, we are not designed to be in a low state of anxiety and full of adrenalin most of the time. Modern life is very different and instead of responding to dangers around us by releasing adrenaline, we are in a constant state of readiness to react. Hence, the anxiety attacks.
Symptoms of anxiety attacks vary very much between people and different people are able to handle them to different degrees. When palpitations start they feel as though the heart is beating very hard, fast or even pounding inside the chest. The worse the anxiety gets, the worse the palpitations become. Sometimes the sufferer may even imagine missed, or stopped beats and the feeling can go right up into the chest, throat, neck and face. Palpitations are often accompanied by feelings of excitement and fear. Everyone suffers from palpitations at some point during their life, so palpitations are not necessarily symptoms of anxiety attacks and very rarely indicate serious disease.
Sweating or perspiration when you have not just finished some form of exercise, may be one of the symptoms of anxiety attacks. It may be an anxiety response to fear, anger or embarrassment. This may be accompanied by shaking, or trembling in reaction to an emotional upset, but trembling or shaking which is not associated with anxiety needs to be checked out by a doctor.
Difficulty breathing and inability to get enough air may also be one of the symptoms of anxiety attacks. Serious emotional upsets quite often cause gasping for breath, or even asthma in some people.
Chest pain, or discomfort in the chest often puts people into a state of panic but it can be one of the symptoms of anxiety attacks. However, it should never be assumed that it is just an anxiety attack and any worries or pain should be discussed with a health professional.
Severe abdominal pain or tenderness in any area can be caused by an anxiety attack. This sometimes includes other symptoms of anxiety attacks including sickness, nausea, vomiting and headache. Anxiety symptoms can be so strong in many people that it can lead to all kids of physical complaints. There may be no medical evidence of there being a problem in the chest, abdomen, or wherever, but the discomfort, or pain, can be very real. Hot flashes, panic and feelings of having no control, or even dying, are very common. However, there are treatments available for anxiety attacks and the first thing to do is to admit that there is a problem, and then get help from a professional.