A panic attack is an exaggeration of the body’s normal response to fear. Adrenaline is overproduced and the result is a lot of unpleasant sensations and a distressing degree of fear.

Having a panic attack can be a very scary experience. Many symptoms are associated with panic, fear, of dying, having a heart attack, having a stroke, losing control, fainting, being incontinent, being sick, generally feeling out of control of your bodily responses.

There is a feeling of bewilderment, disorientation, unreality, heightened perception, irritability, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, tightness of chest or pain, ringing in the ears, tingling in hands, feet or around the mouth, feeling faint or fainting, sweaty palms, blurred vision – all or many of these symptoms can be experienced.

Anyone can have a panic attack and you do not have to be an anxious person to have a panic attack although if you are normally over anxious you are more likely to have one.

Panic attacks can be caused by being emotionally exhausted, physical & emotional symptoms can be experienced – muscle spasm, hyperventilation (over breathing) etc.

Sometimes the physical causes are due to unstable blood sugar levels, dieting or fasting, inner ear problems, low blood pressure, adverse reaction to drugs, drug withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal, stopping smoking and digestive problems (food allergies) etc.

There are many ways that you can be helped if you suffer from panic attacks.
It is important that you see your GP and explain all the symptoms you are experiencing in order that the physical symptoms can be checked out and not just associated with panic as there may be something else causing them.

Reading about panic, seeking the help of a counsellor/therapist and ensuring you self care and you learn good breathing/relaxation techniques too.