A Panic Attack Sufferer's Course of Action

We've all heard jokes about anxiety attacks, or have watched scenes in movies or television making light of this health disorder. And, yes, it is actually a health disorder. While everyone suffers from some form of anxiety at one time or another, there are those who have anxiety that kicks into overdrive and graduates into an anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are far from funny; the sufferer experiences a flight or fight feeling. It can be described as feeling like you are having a heart attack or dying.

If you are a sufferer, you should pay attention to your symptoms and beware of other illnesses and health issues that can panic attack symptoms can mimic. You need to be a bit cautious.

Because symptoms can relate to other health problems, there are potential dangers in regard to panic attacks. It's true, panic attacks themselves are not deadly, but assuming you are suffering from panic attacks when it is actually a serious and life-threatening illness can be.

Within a few months of each other, I know of two women who dismissed panic attack symptoms as anxiety related panic attacks. One of the women was in congestive heart failure. She assumed it was just anxiety for a month before she finally sought medical attention. The other woman waited even longer before seeking medical advice. She has stage 4 lung cancer. The latter suffered no other symptoms aside from shortness of breath and an anxious feeling.

It cannot be stressed enough that we are responsible for our own well-being. That means addressing health issues and not just dismissing them as panic attacks, or a cold, or a simple cough. Take charge. There are a few steps you can take to ensure your panic attack symptoms are not the results of a serious illness.

Your Panic Attack Symptoms Course of Action

1. Don't assume your racing heart, shortness of breath, or aches and pains are simple anxiety related panic attacks.
2. Get prompt medical attention. Visit your doctor or if the symptoms are severe, go to the hospital.
3. Find a qualified doctor, one who will not take your symptoms on face value, but will dig deeper to rule out other more serious causes.
4. Make sure your doctor includes blood work, an EKG and echo-cardiogram, a brain and spine MRI, a chest x-ray, and a very detailed medical history in your overall screening.
5. If your doctor dismisses your symptoms without investigating other causes, find another doctor.

As always, discuss your health concerns and options with your doctor.

If you'd like to learn more about anxiety and panic attacks, go to:

Anxiety Disorders Association of America