What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

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

When this reaction is persistent, however, it can result in uncomfortable and unpleasant physical consequences. Here are some of the most commonly reported physical symptoms of anxiety:

Heart palpitations

A common sign of anxiety is heart palpitations, which are the feeling that your heartbeat is racing or is irregular. This fluttering or flipping, sensation could cause you to feel dizzy and feeling lightheaded. Palpitations can be more intense or frequent when someone is having an eye strain anxiety symptoms attack. These instances can be terrifying.

This is due to the body's normal response of fight or flight, which is meant to help you get away from or defend yourself against an actual threat. When you are anxious the system is activated, even if there is no threat.

The problem is, this reaction is so strong that it can cause physical symptoms, such as stomach pain, shakiness or headaches. It can also cause trouble sleeping and irritable bowel syndrome.

It's important to note that heart palpitations are generally harmless, but they could be an indication of a undiagnosed heart condition like atrial fibrillation. Speak to your doctor right away in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. They could conduct an ECG or refer you to a specialist depending on what they believe is the reason.

In certain instances your doctor might recommend treatments that focus on the reduction of anxiety and stress. This includes cognitive behavior therapy that teaches you to change how you think and react to situations, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. They might also prescribe medication such as beta blockers, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, but can also slow heart rate as well.

You can also try "vagal maneuvers," which include doing things like bending your back or squeezing your stomach and holding your breath, or splashing cold water over your face to decrease the heart's electrical stimulation. These can slow your heartbeat, and stop the irregular beatings that can cause anxiety.

Breathing fast

When a person feels stressed the body releases hormones to prepare for fighting or fleeing any immediate threat. This can cause blood to flow into the legs and arms, making you feel dizzy. This is because your body is taking all the oxygen it can to fight or run. The sensation of being short of breath isn't a problem however it can be a bit frightening for certain people.

If someone is suffering from anxiety on a regular basis, and causes problems in their lives, they should speak with their doctor. They can prescribe medication or teach strategies for managing stress. The health care professional can determine whether the symptoms are due to anxiety or another medical issue.

For example, some breathing problems could be a symptom of lung or heart diseases. If a person feels that breath shortness is caused by one of these problems, they need to seek medical attention as soon as they can.

Breathing exercises can be beneficial to reduce anxiety. Concentrating on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help reduce anxiety and slow the heartbeat. Avoiding smoking and drinking caffeine-rich beverages can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Although occasional anxiety symptoms chest from time to moment is normal, continuous anxiety can be an indication that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you need help in managing your mild anxiety symptoms, call us to make an appointment with one of our counselors. We will teach you how to live a life free from anxiety.

Tight muscles

Everybody experiences stiff muscles from time to time However, if they develop into a persistent problem this could indicate anxiety. The fight or flight response releases stress hormones that 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 periods of time, it can weaken your immune system and cause health issues, like high blood pressure or heart disease.

In short the end, your body doesn't need to be constantly on edge, so if you are experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis it could be time to speak with your doctor about it.

If you notice a sudden increase in your sweating, heart rate, or shaky hands, these are classic symptoms of panic attacks, which can happen without warning and require immediate attention. Symptoms typically peak within minutes and then subside once your body is able to calm down.

Anxiety can also cause your digestive system to become out of whack. People who are anxious often experience stomach pains, constipation, diarrhea, or an experience of their stomach "getting stuck." It is believed to be a result of the connection between your brain and your digestive tract.

Tightness in the muscles is a different symptom that can be a sign of anxiety, along with joint fatigue and pain. Persistent tightness can cause you to tighten your jaw or pull at your skin, and it can disrupt your sleeping and everyday activities. It is a good idea to consult a physical therapist in the event that you experience this. They can identify the cause of your discomfort. They can also give you a home workout program that can help.

Nausea or vomiting

In many cases, anxiety symptoms feel so real that we think them for physical symptoms. This can lead to an exhaustive search for the cause regardless of whether symptoms are frequent and cause disturbance to your everyday life. It is essential to consult your doctor if these symptoms persist for an extended period of time.

The body's stress response can increase how fast your heart pumps blood around your body, which can cause chest discomfort and breath shortness. Your breathing can also increase, which is known as hyperventilation. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine this could cause many of the physical anxiety symptoms mentioned above since it disturbs the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that are often associated with anxiety, and are usually caused by the stress on your digestive system. This is why avoiding certain foods like alcohol, chocolate and caffeine can help reduce your anxiety-related nausea. You can also eat something bland like bread or crackers. It is also recommended to drink water or other clear liquids if you are feeling nauseated. This will help prevent dehydration.

Some people discover that they are able to get rid of their nausea caused by anxiety by learning techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing, ensuring that the symptoms don't begin until it's too late. This may also help them manage their anxiety symptoms before they become nauseating or prevent their anxiety from getting worse, allowing them to sleep better. Some people are better off seeing a mental healthcare professional like psychologists or psychiatrists for anxiety treatment.

Headaches

A headache is a common sign of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you're anxious your brain is ruminating over worries or fears which feels overwhelming. The body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in order to help you respond to any threat. These chemicals are helpful in the face of a real danger, but if your anxiety is constant or intense, they could be detrimental.

It's not healthy to constantly be in a fight-or-flight state. For instance, muscles that are tense that prepare you for running or escape could cause tension headaches and migraines. If you experience frequent headaches, try reducing your caffeine intake and other substances which can trigger headaches.

Anxiety can also disrupt your menstrual cycle, leading to bloating and abdominal cramps and could result in missed or irregular menstrual cycles, the Cleveland Clinic reports. This is because the high levels of hormones caused by anxiety can hinder the release of estrogen, which induces ovulation and progesterone.

If your anxiety is severe or chronic, talk to a healthcare professional. Your provider will ask you about your anxiety-related symptoms and perform a physical exam to rule out physical causes. Your provider will ask you about your daily routine, and how anxiety affects your daily activities.

A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can help you deal with your anxiety. A psychiatrist can offer you medication that will control your symptoms, like an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication or sedative. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing and exercise to reduce your stress levels.