What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

Many people are unaware that they are suffering from anxiety due to their physical symptoms. For example an increased pulse or sweating. The body's fight or flight response is designed to help you get away from danger as quickly as possible.

When this reaction is persistent but it is not always a good idea, it could result in uncomfortable and unpleasant physical effects. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety:

Heart palpitations

An indication of anxiety is heart palpitations, which are the feeling that your heartbeat is racing or is not normal. The flickering or fluttering sensation may make you feel that your heart is racing, and it may also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Some people notice that their palpitations are more frequent or intense when they have an anxiety attack. These instances can be terrifying.

This is due to the body's natural response of fight or flight, which is designed to help you escape from or fight off an actual threat. When you're stressed your brain triggers this response even though there's not any threat.

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

Heart palpitations are not harmful 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 might conduct an ECG or refer you to a specialist, depending on what they think is the reason.

In certain situations your doctor might suggest treatments that are focused on reducing your stress and acute anxiety symptoms. This includes cognitive behavior therapy which teaches you to change how to reduce anxiety symptoms you think and react to situations and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. They may also prescribe medications like beta blockers, which are usually used to treat high blood pressure, but can reduce heart rate too.

You can also try "vagal maneuvers" like laying down on your stomach, squeezing it, squeezing your breath or splashing cold water on your face, to reduce electrical stimulation of the heart. These can help slow down your heartbeat and stop irregular beats that can cause anxiety.

Breathing fast

When a person is anxious the body releases hormones that prepare the body for fighting or fleeing from any immediate threat. This can cause blood to flow into legs and arms, and make you feel breathless. 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 frightening for certain people.

If a person experiences anxiety regularly and this is causing issues with daily activities it is recommended to consult their doctor. They can prescribe medication and teach methods for managing stress. The health care professional can also help to determine if the symptoms are caused by anxiety or a medical condition.

Certain breathing issues can be an indication of heart or lung disorders. If you believe that your breath is getting shorter is due to one of these issues it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Breathing exercises can be very beneficial in helping to manage anxiety symptoms at work (here.). It is suggested to focus on breathing deeply into the abdomen, since this helps to reduce the heart rate and reduces anxiety. Avoiding smoking and drinking caffeine-containing beverages can also help reduce anxiety symptoms.

While there are times when anxiety is normal, persistent anxiety symptoms physical could indicate that you have anxiety disorder. Contact us today to make an appointment with a professional counselor if you require help with managing anxiety. We will teach you the techniques to live a life that is free of anxiety.

Tight muscles

Everybody experiences stiff muscles from time to time, but if they become an ongoing issue it could be a sign of anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect your whole body, including your muscles. These hormones aren't necessarily harmful, but if you are a victim of them 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 notice these symptoms regularly you should talk to your doctor.

If you notice a sudden increase in your sweating, heart rate or shaky hands These are the classic symptoms of panic attacks, which can happen without warning and require immediate treatment. The symptoms typically peak within minutes and then subside once your body starts to settle down.

Anxiety can also cause your digestive system to become out of whack. Anxiety can trigger 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.

Muscle tightness is a different symptom that can be a sign of anxiety, as are joint fatigue and pain. Insistent tightness may cause you to clench your jaw or pull on your skin, which can interfere with your sleeping and everyday activities. It's a good idea to consult a physical therapist if you feel this way. They will be able to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and give you a home exercise program to aid.

Nausea or vomiting

Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety are so real we mistakenly think they are 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 physician if the symptoms persist for a long time.

Stress can cause your heart to pump blood more quickly that can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Your breathing could also speed up which is known as hyperventilation. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine it can cause many of the physical anxiety symptoms listed above because it disrupts the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood.

Stress on your digestive system is usually the cause of nausea and vomiting. This is why avoiding foods like alcohol, chocolate and caffeine can help ease the nausea associated with anxiety. You can also eat something simple like bread or crackers. It is also recommended to drink water or other clear liquids if you feel nauseated. This will help prevent dehydration.

Some people find that they can reduce their anxiety-driven nausea through learning techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing, so that symptoms don't develop until it's too late. This may also aid them in managing their anxiety symptoms test symptoms before they become nauseating, or even stop their anxiety from becoming worse, allowing them to sleep better. Some people are better off seeing a mental healthcare professional, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, for anxiety treatment.

Headaches

A headache is among the most frequent 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 such as cortisol and adrenaline to help you deal with the threat. These chemicals are helpful in response to an actual threat however, when your anxiety is persistent or severe, they can be detrimental.

It's not good to constantly be in a fight-or-flight state. The muscles that are tense and ready for your body to run or escape, for example can trigger 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 disrupt your menstrual cycle, leading to abdominal cramps and bloating, could result in irregular or missed menstrual cycles according to the Cleveland Clinic reports. This is due to the elevated levels of hormones caused by anxiety can hinder the release of estrogen that induces ovulation and progesterone.

Consult a medical professional if your anxiety is severe. Your provider will ask you about your anxiety symptoms and conduct a physical examination to determine the cause of your anxiety. Your provider will also speak to you about your lifestyle and how anxiety impacts your daily activities.

You can manage anxiety by consulting a primary care physician or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications to control your symptoms like antidepressants, anti-anxiety exhaustion symptoms drugs or sedatives. You can also manage stress through techniques to relax, like meditation, deep breathing, and exercising.