what is anxiety and symptoms Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

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

When this response is chronic, however, it can result in uncomfortable and unpleasant physical consequences. Here are a few of the most commonly reported physical symptoms of anxiety:

Heart palpitations

An indication of anxiety is heart palpitations. They are a feeling that your heartbeat is racing or is irregular. This fluttering, or flipping, sensation can make you dizzy and feeling lightheaded. Palpitations can be more intense or frequent when someone is experiencing an anxiety attack. These episodes can be scary.

This is because of the body's natural response to fight or flight which is supposed to aid you in escaping or fighting against a real threat. When you're stressed the body's defense system is activated even though there isn't any danger.

The problem is that this response is so strong that it can cause physical symptoms, such as stomach pain, shakiness or headaches. It can also lead to difficulty sleeping and irritable bowel disorder.

It is important to keep in mind that heart palpitations what are anxiety attacks symptoms typically harmless, but they could be an indication of a existing heart problem like atrial fibrillation. If you notice these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. They may conduct an ECG or refer you to a specialist, depending on what is anxiety and symptoms they believe is the root cause.

In certain instances your doctor may suggest treatments aimed at the reduction of anxiety and stress. Cognitive behavior therapy, where you learn how to change your thinking and reaction to situations, and relaxation techniques such a meditation and deep breathing are just a few examples of these treatments. They may also prescribe medications, such as beta blockers, which are commonly used to reduce blood pressure, but can also slow heart rate as well.

You can also try "vagal maneuvers," which involve doing activities like bending down or squeezing your stomach while you breathe, or splashing cold water over your face to lessen the heart's electrical stimulation. These can slow your heartbeat, and stop the irregular beatings that can cause anxiety.

Breathing quickly

When a person feels anxious, their body releases hormones to prepare them for fighting or fleeing the immediate threat. This causes blood to flow to the legs and arms and may make you feel short of breath. This is because your body is using all the oxygen available to fight or run. The feeling of being short of breath is not harmful but it can be frightening for some people.

If a person is experiencing anxiety on a regular basis, and is causing them problems in their lives, they should talk to their healthcare provider. They can prescribe medication and teach methods for managing stress anxiety symptoms. The health professional will also be able to determine if the symptoms are caused by anxiety or a medical condition.

For example, some breathing difficulties can be a sign of heart disease or lung disorders. If a person feels that breath shortness is caused by one of these problems it is important to seek medical attention as soon as they can.

Breathing exercises are a fantastic way to manage anxiety. Focusing on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help lower anxiety and slow the heartbeat. Avoiding smoking and drinking caffeine-rich beverages can help lessen anxiety symptoms.

While certain anxiety is normal, persistent worry can indicate that you have anxiety disorder. If you need help in managing your anxiety, call us to make an appointment with one of our counselors. We can assist you in learning the techniques you need to live an easier life.

Muscles that are tight

Everybody has stiff muscles from time to time However, if they develop into an ongoing problem, it could indicate anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect your whole body, including the muscles. These hormones aren't necessarily a bad thing, but if they remain in your system for prolonged periods of time, it can weaken your immune system and cause health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

In short your body isn't designed to be constantly alert If you're experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, it may be time to speak with your doctor about it.

If you notice an increase in your heart rate, sweating or shaky hand, these are the typical symptoms of a panic attacks. These can happen without warning and require immediate attention. Symptoms typically peak within minutes, and will subside after your body is able to settle down.

Anxiety can also cause your digestive system to be out of balance. Anxiety can trigger stomach constipation, diarrhea, pains or a feeling that your stomach is "stuck". This is believed to be due to the relationship between your brain and your digestive system.

Along with joint pain and exhaustion muscles tightness is a typical sign of anxiety. Persistent tightness can cause you to tighten your jaw or pull on your skin, and can interfere with your sleep and your daily activities. It's a great idea to consult an acupuncturist in the event that you experience this. They can help identify the cause of your discomfort and offer you an appropriate home exercise program to tackle it.

Nausea or vomiting

Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety are so real, we believe they are caused by physical problems. It could lead to a search for the root cause even though symptoms are frequent and disrupt your daily life. This is why it's important to see your doctor if experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, especially those that last for long periods of time.

The body's stress response increases the speed at which your heart pumps blood around your body, which can sometimes result in chest discomfort and breath shortness. Your breathing also might accelerate and this is referred to as hyperventilation. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine it can cause many of the physical symptoms as it disrupts the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of anxiety. They are usually caused by the stress on your digestive system. This is why avoiding certain foods such as alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine can help reduce the nausea associated with anxiety. You could also try eating something less savoury like plain crackers or bread. Drinking water or other clear liquids when you feel nauseated. This will prevent dehydration.

Some people can stop nausea due to anxiety through learning techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness. This way, the symptoms won't appear before it's too much. This can also help them to manage their anxiety symptoms before they become nauseating. Also, it can prevent the anxiety from getting worse, so they can sleep better. Certain people also benefit from visiting a mental health professional for treatment of anxiety such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Headaches

A headache is a common symptom of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you're stressed your brain is ruminating over worries or fears which feels overwhelming. The body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you respond to the threat. These chemicals can be beneficial when you are responding to a real threat however they can also be harmful if anxiety is persistent or excessive.

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 migraines and tension headaches. If you are suffering from frequent headaches, consider reducing your caffeine intake as well as other substances that could trigger them.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that anxiety can also affect your menstrual cycle. It can cause abdominal cramps, bloating and even irregular menstrual periods. This is due to the elevated levels of hormones triggered by anxiety can interfere with the release of estrogen, which induces ovulation and progesterone.

If your anxiety symptoms in stomach is extreme or ongoing, speak to an expert in healthcare. Your doctor will inquire about your anxiety symptoms and conduct a physical examination to rule out physical causes. Your provider will ask you about your daily routine, and how anxiety affects daily activities.

A primary care physician or psychiatrist can assist you to deal with your anxiety. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications that can help control your symptoms, for example an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication or sedative. You may also try relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing and exercise to reduce the stress levels.