Although in most cases a panic attack is nothing to worry about physically, it can take a toll on you in a lot of other ways such as emotionally. If you are experiencing things like a sense of dread or fear or death along with rapid breathing or hyperventilation, it may even feel like you are begin smothered. As well as lightheadedness, racing heartbeat and thoughts, chest pain, sweating, dizziness, trembling or shaking, a choking feeling, nausea, numbness over your body, chills and or hot flashes, or feelings of detachment or unreality you are having panic attacks. You need to seek some type of help for these attacks whether it is an over the counter herbal calming supplement or a doctor’s visit is up to you, but the symptoms rarely get better with no sort of help.

A doctor’s visit may be a good idea though as some panic attacks can be associated a variety of medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or even some medications such as ones you may be taking for a heart condition. Panic attacks can also come on however, for no rhyme or reason and be triggered by things as simple as a large crowd or busy restaurant or stadium. Sometimes this leads to people with panic attacks avoiding those certain places or situations that they fear that lead to panic attacks and although this sounds like good advice is can lead to a pattern of avoidance and can develop into agoraphobia.

Also some, but not everyone, who experiences many panic attacks, may develop panic disorder. This disorder involving panic attacks is diagnosed if an individual has at least two unprovoked panic attacks a week. And also have fear or worry of more panic attacks on a daily basis and start to fear and avoid situations that may trigger one. It is basically a long term case of chronic panic attacks and all that goes with them. Other anxiety related and even physical conditions can eventually develop if the escalating panic attacks are not somehow lessened and people can loose friends and loved ones to this disorder. So seek treatment for your panic attacks and try deep breathing to help control them.