One panic attack symptom is being short of breath. You will experience difficulty breathing just like when you are exercising. So, you will gasp heavily for air and the fear also intensifies. Of course, apart from shortness of breath, there could also be a range of other symptoms when an anxiety attack occurs.

The information below focuses largely on breathing difficulties as a panic attack symptom. It is one of the most common symptoms for this condition and most sufferers would have experienced it during an attack.

Panic Attacks? Shortness Of Breath Explained

By Maryann Foster

As a general sign of panic attacks, shortness of breath is among the more common symptoms. The experience of a panic attack itself can be very frightening and upsetting, but apart from the attack, it can be easy for a person to worry over individual symptoms. Shortness of breath can cause additional distress for many who fear the possibility of a more serious medical condition.

Nearly everyone has, I imagine, experienced what shortness of breath feels like. Exercise or any other vigorous exertion, whether fit or not can cause it, and in this instance it is fairly normal. However shortness of breath along with sweating, nausea and palpitations can be signs of a heart attack. Chest pain is not always reported when a heart attack strikes and chest pain along with the symptoms above are also symptoms of a panic attack. This can bring on further confusion and anxiety for an individual.

Shortness of breath is also known as dyspnea and is caused by numerous factors, mainly concerning respiratory or heart problems. It is a feeling that you cannot breathe comfortably and due to a lack of oxygen in the blood, the effort to breathe has become deliberate rather than being automatic. So in the case of a panic attack, how can you tell if the shortness of breath you are experiencing is life threatening?

During panic attacks, shortness of breath that is only experienced at this time is most likely a symptom of the panic attack itself and as soon as the attack dies down, your breathing will return to normal. If you suffer it along with sweating, nausea and heart palpitations, it is imperative to get help straight away as it may possibly be a sign of a heart attack. Only by getting medical help can a heart problem be ruled out.

Though a panic attack can be a genuinely terrifying ordeal, it is not a life and death scenario. If you are in any doubt that your shortness of breath could possibly be something other than a symptom of a panic attack, you ought to seek medical attention swiftly.

The next time you suffer a panic attack, take notice of the way you are feeling. As individuals, not every person will experience the same symptoms, nor will one experience the same array of symptoms every time. Try and stay calm and if you do experience shortness of breath, examine related symptoms to determine if this time, you just might need medical assistance.

Read more about the signs of panic attack here.

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For more panic attack symptoms, go through the Causes & Symptoms category on the sidebar. Find out some useful tips for coping too if you are looking for ways to better manage your anxiety attacks.