The No. #1 Question That Everyone In Anxiety And Physical Symptoms Must Know How To Answer
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
The fight-or-flight response is designed to aid us in escaping or facing danger, but anxiety can keep our bodies alert and trigger physical symptoms. These may include:
Get regular check-ups. Untreated anxiety may result in heart problems or other medical ailments. Talk to your doctor to find out ways to manage these symptoms. For example you can cut down on caffeine intake and avoid drinking alcohol and recreational substances.
Tense muscles
Anxiety is typically caused by muscle tension. It can cause pain or stiffness in your neck, back shoulders, chest, and back and also in your feet, hands, or the digestive tract. Stress can also affect your breathing and posture.
Muscle tension is typically short-lived and disappears after the trigger event or circumstance is over. But for some people, the tension in muscles can be chronic and can lead to chronic health issues if it is not addressed.
The tight muscles are a sign of anxiety. The fight or flight response causes your body to prepare by sending more oxygen to the muscles. This boosts their strength to escape physical threats. The increased flow of blood is the reason your heart beats faster and why you breath faster when you're anxious.
In an anxiety attack the increased blood flow and speed of breathing can temporarily boost your immune system to help you fight off any perceived threat or stress. When you experience anxiety regularly, this increased alertness can become a part of your everyday life and trigger chronic symptoms like breathing difficulties and muscle tightness.
When your body is preparing to fight or flee from a perceived threat, it releases flood of hormones and chemicals. The continuous state of alertness can leave you feeling worn out and feel as if you suffer from an unending stomachache or headache.
Changes in your heart rate
Anxiety can cause your heart to race that can cause chest pain as well as shortness in breath. Stress triggers adrenal glands, such as adrenaline or cortisol producing hormones that increase blood pressure and heart rate. This is a good response in a situation of emergency where you need to pump more blood into your large muscles in order to fight or escape the threat. It could be harmful if you do it continuously every day, as it increases your risk of heart disease.
You might also notice your stomach being more upset when you're stressed. The body's fight or flight reaction can keep you alert and can affect digestion. This can result in symptoms like constipation, abdominal discomfort or irritable bowel syndrome. anxiety symptoms in stomach with anxiety may also experience sleep problems or have trouble falling asleep because they're on edge all the time. The constant heightened stress hormones can degrade the immune system which makes it more susceptible to catch the common cold and other illnesses.
If you are experiencing these physical symptoms of anxiety, it's a great idea to speak to your doctor. They can check whether there are any medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance an issue with your thyroid. It's a good idea, however, to consult an expert in mental health that can help you control your anxiety and end the physical symptoms. They may suggest therapies like psychodynamic psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Be careful not to take your pulse since it can trigger anxiety.
Tingling in the feet and hands
A tingling sensation in your hands and feet can be one of the signs of anxiety. Tingling is also called paresthesia and is a sign of anxiety-related stress. When you experience panic or other intense feelings your body releases hormones like adrenaline or cortisol to shield you against perceived danger or harm. These hormones can trigger a variety of physical reactions that can affect the flow of blood.
As part of the fight or flight response the body redirects blood flow away from the peripheral areas to the major muscle groups that may require assistance in preparing for physical actions. This can result in a decreased blood flow to the hands and feet, which can lead to the sensation of tingling. The sensation of tingling will be more apparent when you're stressed or anxious and will disappear once the tension subsides.
If your tingling is ongoing, you should consult with your doctor. They can assist you in managing your anxiety and ease the tingling of your feet and hands.
While tingling in your feet or hands can be a sign of a serious medical condition the majority of times, it's caused by anxiety. To alleviate these feelings do some exercise regularly to increase blood flow or practicing relaxation techniques. A good night's sleep is crucial, as anxiety can influence your sleep habits. Limiting your caffeine and alcohol consumption can also aid. If you notice the sensation of tingling suddenly in your feet or hands Contact the FastMed Urgent Care location to talk to a health care specialist about your symptoms.
Dry mouth
If you're anxious the body may begin to alter the way it produces saliva. This condition is known as dry mouth, and can be a sign that you're suffering from anxiety. It is also an adverse effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, antihistamines and muscle relaxers.
If you suffer from dry mouth, it's vital to see a doctor. They can rule out any medical issues which could be causing the issue. If your doctor determines that you are suffering from anxiety, they will recommend treatment options.
The stress hormones cortisol as well as adrenaline are released when you feel anxiety or fear. These hormones can increase the rate of your heart and breathing in order to aid you in battling or running away from danger. However, they could also cause digestive problems and other physical signs.
You might also notice dry mouth when you are under stress or take medication that reduces saliva production. SSRIs (which are typically prescribed to combat anxiety) can cause dryness in the mouth. These medications are effective by blocking the actions of acetylcholine. It is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in voluntary muscle movements as well as bodily functions like digestion, salivation, and urination.
If you're experiencing dry mouth, it's essential to drink plenty of water and practice relaxation techniques to ease your anxiety symptoms. If your anxiety is extreme, an expert in mental health may suggest other options for treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), prevention of exposure to harmful substances, and complementary health practices such as meditation and yoga.
Shortness of Breath
This feeling of shortness of breath can be an indication of anxiety whether it occurs when you exercise or at other times throughout the day. This symptom is associated with all types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorders. Anxiety can often cause muscle tension, which leads to a feeling that you are out of breath, especially in the back or shoulders region. These tensions may result in an increase in physical symptoms.
The reason anxiety can trigger this and other physical reactions is due to the body's fight-orflight response. This is a necessary response in resolving a threat however, if it is activated for a long time by chronic anxiety, it may cause negative effects.
When you experience anxiety, the body can't distinguish that you're not in danger and there's no reason to feel this way. This can cause the sensation that you're always in danger, even though you're not, which is why it's crucial to work with an expert in mental health.
When you're anxious, your body releases a number of stress hormones. These hormones trigger your body to feel like you are in danger. This can lead to feeling breathless. This is a typical response, but it may be difficult to differentiate from other illnesses or conditions that can trigger this symptoms. For instance heart disease, blood clot in the lung, or pneumonia could all trigger this. You should speak with your doctor about running tests and determine if you have a underlying problem which could be the cause of the sensation.