What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

Many people are unaware that they suffer from anxiety because of their physical symptoms. For example the racing pulse or sweating. The body's fight or flight response is designed to help you get away from danger as fast as possible.

This response can cause physical discomfort and discomfort when it's persistent. Here are a few common physical symptoms associated with anxiety:

Heart palpitations

An indicator of anxiety is heart palpitations, which is a feeling that your heartbeat is skipping or is irregular. This fluttering, or flipping, sensation can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. The heart rate can be higher or frequent when someone is experiencing an anxiety attack. These episodes can be scary.

This is due to the body's natural response of fight or flight, which is meant to help you get away from or defend yourself against the threat of a real one. If you are stressed the body's defense system is activated, even if there isn't any danger.

This reaction can cause physical symptoms like nausea, headaches and shaking. It can also cause problems with digestion and trouble sleeping.

Heart palpitations can be unintentional but they may also indicate a heart condition like atrial flutter. If you experience these symptoms, speak to your doctor immediately. They may request an ECG or refer you to a specialist, according to what they believe is the cause.

In some cases a doctor might recommend treatments that reduce your anxiety and stress. These include cognitive behavior therapy which teaches you to change how you think and react to situations, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. They can also prescribe medications like beta blockers, which are usually used to treat high blood pressure, but can also slow heart rate too.

You can also use "vagal maneuvers" like laying down on your stomach, squeeze it, breathing deeply, or splashing cold liquid on your face to reduce heart electrical stimulation. These can help to slow the heartbeat and stop the irregular beatings which can cause anxiety.

Breathing fast

When someone is stressed the body releases hormones to prepare the body for fighting or fleeing from an immediate threat. This reaction can cause blood to flow into your legs and arms, making you feel dizzy. This is because your body is using all the oxygen available to fight or run. It is not harmful to feel short of breath however some people may find it scary.

If a person is suffering from anxiety on a daily basis, and it is causing them problems in their daily life, they should talk with their doctor. They can offer strategies for managing stress and may prescribe medication if required. The health care professional can also help to determine if the symptoms are due to anxiety or another medical condition.

A few breathing problems could be an indication of heart or lung disorders. If a person feels that the breath is short caused by one of these conditions it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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

While there are times when anxiety is normal, a constant worry could mean that you suffer from anxiety disorders. If you require help with managing your anxiety, contact us to set up an appointment with one of our counselors. We can assist you in learning the techniques you require to lead a less anxious life.

Muscles that are tight

Everybody experiences stiff muscles from time time however, if they become a persistent problem, it could indicate anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect the entire body, including your muscles. These hormones may not be bad, but if are a victim of them for a long time, they could weaken your immune system and cause health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease.

In short your body isn't designed to be constantly alert, so if you are experiencing these symptoms frequently, it may be time to speak with your doctor about it.

If you notice a sudden increase in your sweating, heart rate or hands shaking, these are classic symptoms of anxiety and depression of panic attacks, which can happen without warning and require immediate treatment. The symptoms typically last for a few minutes, and then decrease as your body slows down.

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

Tightness in the muscles is a common symptom of anxiety, as are joint discomfort and fatigue. The constant tightness can make you clench your teeth or pull your skin. It can also affect your sleep, daily activities and your sleep. It's a good idea to see a physical therapist in the event that you experience this. They can help you identify the source of your discomfort and provide you with an appropriate home exercise plan to address it.

Nausea or vomiting

In many cases, anxiety symptoms feel so real that we mistake them for physical symptoms. It could lead to a search for the cause even if symptoms are frequent and disrupt your routine. This is the reason it's so important to see your doctor if experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, especially those that last 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 also might speed up which is known as hyperventilation. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this can increase many of the physical symptoms mentioned above since it disturbs the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.

Stress on your digestive system is usually the cause of nausea and vomiting. Avoiding foods like caffeine, chocolate and alcohol can reduce work anxiety symptoms-related nausea. You can also try eating something bland, such as plain crackers or toast. It's also a good idea to drink water and other clear liquids when you're feeling nauseous to prevent dehydration.

Some people find that they are able to reduce their anxiety-driven nausea by learning techniques, like mindfulness and deep breathing, so symptoms don't develop until it's too late. This can also help them to control their anxiety symptoms before they turn into nauseating. Or prevent their anxiety from becoming worse, so they can sleep better. Many people might also benefit from seeing an expert in mental health care for anxiety treatment like a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Headaches

A headache is a frequent manifestation of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you are anxious your brain is ruminating over a worry or fear that is overwhelming. The body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to help you deal with the threat. These chemicals are useful when confronted with an actual threat however, in the case of constant anxiety or extreme, they can be detrimental.

It's not a good idea to always be in a state of fight or flight. For instance, muscles that are tense that prepare you to run or escape can cause tension headaches and migraines. If you suffer from frequent headaches, try cutting down on caffeine consumption and other substances that can cause headaches.

hypersensitivity anxiety symptoms can also affect your period, causing abdominal cramps male depression and anxiety symptoms bloating, could result in missed or irregular menstrual cycles The Cleveland Clinic reports. The high levels of hormones anxiety causes can interfere with the release of progesterone, which induces ovulation, and estrogen.

Talk to a doctor in the event of severe anxiety. Your doctor will conduct a medical history and perform an exam to rule out any physical causes for your symptoms. They'll also inquire about how often and how intensely you're experiencing your anxiety. Your doctor will also talk with you about your life and how your anxiety affects your daily routine.

A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can help deal with your anxiety. A psychiatrist may prescribe medication to control your symptoms like antidepressants, anxiety medications or sedatives. You may also explore relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing and exercise to reduce the stress levels.