What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

Many people learn they have anxiety based on their physical symptoms, such as sweating or racing heart. The body's fight-or flight response is designed to get you away from danger as fast as you can.

This response can cause physical discomfort and discomfort when it's chronic. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety symptoms breathing:

Heart palpitations

An indicator of crippling anxiety symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks (marvelvsdc.faith) is heart palpitations, which are the feeling that your heartbeat is erratic or is irregular. The fluttering, or twitching, sensation can make you dizzy and feel lightheaded. Heart palpitations may be more intense or frequent when someone is experiencing an anxiety attack. These instances can be terrifying.

This is due to the body's natural fight-or-flight response which is supposed to assist you in escaping or fighting against a threat. But when you're anxious, your brain triggers this response even if there's not any threat.

This response can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea and shaking. It can also lead to problems with digestion and trouble sleeping.

Heart palpitations can be unintentional but they may also indicate a heart condition such as atrial flutter. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. They may conduct an ECG or refer you to a specialist according to what they believe is the reason.

In some cases, your doctor will suggest treatments aimed at the reduction of anxiety and stress. These include cognitive behavior therapy that teaches you to alter the way you think and react to situations, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. They may also prescribe medications like beta blockers, which are typically used to treat high blood pressure but can also slow heart rate too.

You can also employ "vagal maneuvers," like laying down on your stomach, squeezing it, holding your breath or splashing cold liquid on your face to decrease the heart electrical stimulation. These can slow down your heart rate and stop the irregular heartbeats that can cause anxiety.

Breathing quickly

When a person is anxious, the body releases hormones to prepare the body for fighting or fleeing from any immediate threat. This causes blood to flow to the arms and legs and may make you feel exhausted. This is due to your body taking all the oxygen it can to fight or run. The feeling of being short of breath is not harmful but it can be scary for certain people.

If a person is experiencing anxiety on a daily basis and causes difficulties in their daily life, they should talk with their doctor. They can suggest methods to manage stress and prescribe medication if needed. The health care professional can determine whether the symptoms are caused by anxiety or a medical condition.

For example, some breathing problems can be a symptom of lung or heart diseases. If the individual feels breath shortness is caused by one of these problems it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as they can.

Breathing exercises can be very beneficial in helping to manage anxiety. Focusing on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help lower anxiety signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety slow the heartbeat. Avoiding smoking and drinking caffeine-containing beverages can also help reduce anxiety symptoms.

While certain anxiety is normal, constant anxiety could indicate that you have anxiety disorder. If you require help with in managing your anxiety, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors. We can teach you the tools to live a life free from anxiety.

Tight muscles

Everyone experiences stiff muscles at some point in their lives, but if it becomes an ongoing problem, it could be an indication of anxiety. The fight or flight response releases stress hormones which affect your muscles as well as the rest of your body. These hormones aren't necessarily a bad thing however, if they stay in your body for long durations, they can weaken your immune system and lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

In short the end, your body doesn't need to be constantly alert, so if you are experiencing these symptoms regularly it might be time to talk to your doctor about it.

If you notice an increase in heart rate, sweating or a shaking hand, these are typical symptoms of panic attack. These can happen without warning, and require immediate attention. Symptoms typically peak within minutes and then subside once your body starts to calm down.

Anxiety can also cause issues with your digestive system. Anxiety can cause stomach constipation, diarrhea, pains or the feeling that your stomach is "stuck". This is believed to be due to the connection between your brain, and your digestive system.

Along with joint pain and exhaustion tightness in the muscles can be a common manifestation of anxiety. Insistent tightness may cause you to tighten your jaw or pull at your skin, and could interfere with sleeping and everyday activities. If you're feeling this way it's a good idea see an acupuncturist or physical therapist. They can identify the cause of your discomfort and give you a home workout program that can help.

Nausea or vomiting

Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety are so real we mistakenly think they are due to physical issues. It can lead to a search for the root of the problem even if symptoms are frequent and disrupt your daily routine. This is why it's important to consult your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety-fueled symptoms, especially when they last for long periods of time.

Stress can cause your heart to pump blood faster which can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Your breathing also might speed up, which is known as hyperventilation. This can exacerbate the physical symptoms of anxiety listed on this list, because it disrupts the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Nausea or vomiting are common symptoms that are often associated with anxiety. They are typically caused by the stress on your digestive system. Avoiding foods like caffeine, chocolate and alcohol can reduce anxiety-related nausea. You can also eat something bland like bread or crackers. It's recommended to drink water and other clear liquids if you're feeling nauseated to avoid dehydration.

Some people find that they are able to stop their anxiety-fueled nausea through learning techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing, so that the symptoms don't begin until it's too late. This can also help them to manage their anxiety symptoms before they become nauseating. Also, it can prevent the anxiety from getting worse so that they can sleep better. Certain people may also benefit from seeing an expert in mental health care for treatment of anxiety such as psychologists or psychiatrists.

Headaches

A headache is among the most common symptoms of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you're anxious, your brain ruminates over a fear or worry which feels overwhelming. Your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in order to help you deal with any threat. These chemicals are beneficial in the face of a real danger however, when your anxiety is persistent or intense, they could be harmful.

Your body isn't intended to be in constant fight-or-flight mode, and that can affect your physical health. For instance, tight muscles that prepare you to run or escape could cause tension headaches and migraines. If you experience frequent headaches, you should consider cutting the caffeine intake and other substances that trigger them.

Anxiety can also affect your menstrual cycle, leading to bloating and abdominal cramps and possibly leading to missed or irregular menstrual cycles, the Cleveland Clinic reports. The elevated levels of hormones that anxiety triggers can affect the release of progesterone, which induces ovulation, and estrogen.

Talk to a doctor if your anxiety is severe. Your doctor will inquire about your anxiety symptoms and conduct a physical examination to rule out physical causes. Your provider will also talk to you about your lifestyle and how anxiety impacts your daily routine.

You can manage anxiety by consulting with a primary care physician or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications to control your symptoms such as antidepressants, anxiety medications, or sedatives. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing and exercise to lower your stress levels.