What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

Many people learn they have anxiety based on their physical symptoms, like a racing heart or sweating. This is because the body's fight or flight response is designed to help us get away from danger quickly.

This reaction can cause physical discomfort and discomfort when it is chronic. Here are some of most frequent physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety:

Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations are a frequent sign of anxiety. They're the feeling that your heartbeat is skipping. The fluttering, or flipping, sensation could make you dizzy and lightheaded. Some people find that their palpitations are more frequent or intense when they have an anxiety attack. These events can be scary.

This is because of the body's natural fight-or-flight response which is supposed to aid you in escaping or fighting against a real threat. When you're stressed the system is activated even though there is no threat.

The problem is that this response is so strong that it can result in a variety of physical symptoms, such as stomach pain, shakiness or headaches. It can also lead to problems with digestion and trouble sleeping.

It is important to keep in mind that heart anxiety symptoms palpitations are typically benign, but they can be an indication of a existing heart problem like atrial fibrillation. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. They might conduct an ECG or refer you to a specialist depending on what they believe is the cause.

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

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

Breathing quickly

When someone is anxious the body releases hormones to prepare for fighting or fleeing from any immediate threat. This can cause blood to flow into your legs and arms, making you feel dizzy. This is due to your body using all the oxygen available to fight or run. The sensation of being short of breath is not harmful however it can be scary for certain people.

If a person is suffering from anxiety on a regular basis, and it causes difficulties in their daily lives, they should talk to their physician. They can suggest stress management techniques and possibly prescribe medication if needed. The health professional can also help to determine if the symptoms are due to anxiety or a medical condition.

For example, some breathing difficulties can be a sign of lung or heart diseases. If someone feels that 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. Concentrating on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help reduce anxiety and slow the heartbeat. It is also essential to avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking caffeinated beverages, as they can aggravate anxiety-related symptoms.

Although some anxiety from time period is normal, persistent anxiety could be a sign that you have an clinical anxiety symptoms disorder. If you need help in managing your anxiety, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors. We can provide you with the techniques to live a life that is free of anxiety.

Muscles that are tight

Everyone experiences stiff muscles at some point in their lives, however, when it becomes a constant problem it could be a sign of anxiety. The fight-or flight response releases stress and anxiety symptoms hormones which affect your muscles as well as the rest of your body. These hormones may not be harmful, but if you have them in your system for a long period of time, they can lower your immunity and cause health problems such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.

Your body isn't designed to be constantly on the edge. If you are experiencing these symptoms regularly, it's time to speak to your doctor.

If you notice an increase in your heart rate, sweating or shaky hand, these are the typical signs of panic attack. These can happen without warning, and require immediate attention. The symptoms of breath holding anxiety usually peak within a few minutes and then subside once your body begins to calm down.

Anxiety can cause problems with your digestive system. People who have hypersensitivity anxiety symptoms often experience stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or an experience of their stomach "getting stuck." This is believed to be due to the connection between your brain and your digestive tract.

Muscle tightness is another common symptom of anxiety, along with joint fatigue and pain. Constant tightness can cause you clench your teeth or pull on your skin. It can also interfere with your sleep, daily activities and your sleep. If you're feeling this way, it's a good idea see a physical therapist. They will be able to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and provide you a home workout program to aid.

Nausea or vomiting

In many cases, anxiety symptoms appear so real that we mistake them for a physical issue. It can lead to a search for the cause even if symptoms are frequent and disrupt your daily routine. It is essential to consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms persist for an extended period of time.

The body's stress response increases the speed at which your heart pumps blood throughout the body, which can lead to chest discomfort and breath shortness. Hyperventilation is also a possible cause of increased breathing. This can enhance the physical symptoms of anxiety listed on this list, because it upsets the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can accompany anxiety. They are usually due to the strain on your digestive system. Avoiding foods like caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol can help lessen nausea that is associated with anxiety. You can also eat something bland like bread or crackers. You should also drink water or other clear liquids when you feel nauseous. This will prevent dehydration.

Some people discover that they are able to reduce their anxiety-driven nausea through learning techniques, like mindfulness and deep breathing, so the symptoms don't begin until it's too late. This can also help to manage their anxiety symptoms, before they become nauseating. Also, it can prevent their anxiety from becoming worse, so they can sleep better. Some people benefit from visiting a mental health professional like psychologists or psychiatrists for treatment of anxiety.

Headaches

A headache is among the most common symptoms of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you are anxious your brain is constantly mulling over a worry or fear which feels overwhelming. Your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in order to help you respond to a potential threat. These chemicals can be beneficial when you are responding to the threat of a real one, but they can be harmful when anxiety is chronic or excessive.

Your body isn't designed to be constantly in fight-or-flight mode, and that could affect your physical health. For instance, tight muscles that prepare you for running or escape can cause migraines and tension headaches. If you are suffering from frequent headaches, try to reduce your intake of caffeine and other substances that can trigger headaches.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that anxiety can affect your menstrual cycle too. It can trigger abdominal cramps, bloating, and even irregular menstrual flow. The elevated levels of hormones anxiety triggers can affect the release of progesterone that induces ovulation and estrogen.

Consult a medical professional if your anxiety is severe. Your physician will inquire about your anxiety symptoms and perform a physical exam to determine if there are physical causes. Your provider will also talk with you about your daily routine and how anxiety affects your daily activities.

You can manage anxiety by consulting a primary care physician or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can provide you with medication to manage your symptoms, like an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication or sedative. You can also lower stress by utilizing techniques to relax, like deep breathing, meditation and exercising.