How to Identify a Panic Attack vs. a Medical Emergency: Key Symptoms and Actions to Take
How to Identify a Panic Attack vs. a Medical Emergency: Key Symptoms and Actions to Take
Regarding the signs distinguishing a panic attack from a medical emergency, it is crucial to pay attention to specific physical and emotional symptoms that can be indicative of either condition. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to tell if you are experiencing a panic attack or a more severe medical issue.
Key Symptoms to Look Out For
To differentiate between a panic attack and other issues, pay close attention to symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and a feeling of impending doom, which are common during a panic attack. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can also occur in medical emergencies, making it essential to properly evaluate the situation and seek guidance from a healthcare professional when necessary.
Heart Attack Symptoms vs. Panic Attack Symptoms
Heart Attack Symptoms: These can be quite alarming and generally include the following signs:
Escalating chest pain reaching maximum severity after a few minutes Constant pain, pressure, fullness, or aching in the chest area Pain or discomfort that travels or radiates to other areas such as one or both arms, abdomen, back, shoulders, neck, throat, or jaw Pain that is triggered by exertion Shortness of breathPanicky Attacks, on the other hand, are characterized by:
Increased heart rate Sharp or stabbing chest pain lasting only 5 to 10 seconds Pain localized to one small area Pain that usually occurs at rest Pain that accompanies anxiety Pain that is relieved or worsened when you change positions Pain that can be reproduced or worsened by pressing over the area of painExperiencing a True Medical Emergency
We have a crisis clinic in our town, and when the healthcare providers are confident that you have a serious medical issue, they do not delay. In a case I encountered, I was taken to the clinic when blood was found in my undergarments. The ambulance driver did not ask any more questions, immediately recognizing the seriousness of the situation. While I am not 100% sure it was the right decision to not address this at home, I am relatively confident that the immediate medical attention was the correct course of action.
Misdiagnosis Even Among Professionals
It is crucial to remember that even medical professionals can be fooled at first. If you have experienced a panic attack before, it is advisable to consult a mental health professional. They can help you identify possible triggers and provide strategies to manage and cope with anxiety. Sometimes, the triggers can be subtle and are only apparent in retrospect.
A Personal Experience with a Panic Attack
A panic attack is a sudden onset of fear, anger, upset, confusion, all mixed up together. I experienced mine as shocking, upset, and confusing. The intensity was so overwhelming that I had to get away from the situation immediately. I closed the file and walked away, unable to return to work for two hours. Every time I thought about what I had to face, panic set in. My heart raced, and I wanted to cry, not wanting to face the situation that the paperwork revealed. After two hours, I was able to return to my job and complete my tasks with no residual panic. The trigger for this specific panic was the realization that the date mentioned in the paperwork coincided with my son's birthday.
Understanding the difference between a panic attack and a medical emergency can be life-saving. Always seek professional medical advice when in doubt, and do not hesitate to reach out for mental health support when dealing with persistent anxiety and panic attacks.