Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

The fight-or-flight response is created to aid us in escaping or facing danger, but anxiety can keep our bodies on alert and trigger physical symptoms. This could include:

Get regular check-ups. Untreated anxiety may cause heart problems and other medical ailments. Consult your physician to find out how to manage these symptoms. For example you can limit your caffeine consumption and stay clear of alcohol and recreational drugs.

Muscles that are tight

Anxiety is usually caused by muscle tension. It can cause pain or stiffness in your neck, shoulders, hands, chest and back. Anxiety can also affect breathing and posture.

The muscle tension associated with anxiety tends to be short-lived, and it usually fades when the trigger event or circumstance has passed. However, for some people the muscle tension is chronic and can cause chronic health issues if it is not treated.

The tightness of your muscles could be a sign of anxiety because the fight-or-flight stress response causes your body to prepare for a threat by sending more blood to muscles, which increases their strength and provides them with more oxygen so they can evade or fight any physical threat. This increased flow of blood is the reason your heart beats faster and it's also why you breathe more rapidly when you're stressed.

During an occasional anxiety attack the increased blood flow and quickened breathing can provide your immune system a temporary boost that helps you overcome any perceived threat or stressful situation. But when you suffer from anxiety on a regular basis the increased alertness may become a regular part of your life, leading to constant, chronic symptoms such as breathlessness and muscle tightness.

As your body prepares to defend itself or escape from a perceived threat, it releases a flood of hormones and chemicals. This constant state of alertness may make you feel exhausted and feeling as if you've got constant stomachaches or headaches.

Changes in your heart rate

Anxiety can cause your heart rate to increase which can cause chest pain and shortness in breath. This is because the stress response causes the adrenal glands to churn out hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which increase the heart rate and blood pressure. This is a helpful response in a situation of emergency in which you need to pump more blood into your large muscles to fight or escape a threat. However, it can be dangerous when it occurs every day, as it increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

You might also notice that your stomach becomes more upset when you're anxious. The body's fight or flight response could keep you alert and can affect digestion. This can lead to symptoms like constipation diarrhea, abdominal discomfort or irritablebowel syndrome. People with anxiety may also experience sleep problems or have trouble falling asleep because they're on edge all the time. Stress hormones can cause the immune system to weaken, increasing the risk of catching a cold or other infections.

Consult your physician If you have these physical symptoms. They can check whether there are any medical issues that can cause similar symptoms. For instance an issue with your thyroid. It's a good idea however, to consult an expert in mental health who can help you manage your anxiety and stop the physical symptoms. They may recommend therapies like psychodynamic or cognitive behavior therapy psychotherapy, which can help you replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Be wary of taking your pulse, since it can trigger anxiety.

Tingling in your feet and hands

A sensation of tingling in your feet and hands can be one of the signs of anxiety. Tingling is also known as paresthesia, and is a sign of anxiety symptoms eyes (a cool way to improve)-related stress. During a panic attack or other intense feelings of anxiety, your body is trying to protect yourself from perceived danger or harm by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger a range of physical responses, including changes in your blood circulation.

As part of your fight or flight response, the body redirects blood from peripheral areas to major muscle groups which may need assistance with physical actions. This could leave your hands and feet with reduced blood flow, which can cause the tingling feeling. The sensation will likely be more noticeable during periods of anxiety or stress and will likely disappear after the tension has subsided.

If your tingling continues, you should consult with your doctor. They can help you manage anxiety, and reduce the tingling of your feet and hands.

While tingling sensations in your hands or feet could be an indication of a serious medical condition It is usually caused by anxiety. Do some exercise regularly to increase blood flow or practice relaxation techniques. It is important to get enough sleep since anxiety can affect your sleep habits. Limiting your caffeine and alcohol consumption can also aid. Contact a FastMed Urgent Care to speak with a doctor about your symptoms if you experience the sensation of numbness or tingling sensations in your feet or hands.

Dry mouth

When you are anxious and stressed, your body may begin to alter the way it produces saliva. Dry mouth is a condition that could be a sign of anxiety. It could also be an adverse effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, antihistamines and muscle relaxers.

If you experience dry mouth, it's important to see a doctor. They can determine if there are any medical issues that could be the cause. If your doctor concludes that you suffer from travel anxiety symptoms, they will suggest a treatment plan.

The stress hormones cortisol as well as adrenaline are released when you experience anxiety or fear. These hormones can boost heart rate and breathing to help you run or fight against threats but they can also alter your digestion and cause other physical symptoms.

It is also possible to feel dry mouth if you are stressed or take medications that decrease saliva production. SSRIs (which are typically prescribed to alleviate anxiety) can cause dryness in the mouth. These drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine that is a neurotransmitter involved in voluntary movements and bodily functions, such as salivation digestion, and urination.

If you suffer from dry mouth and experience anxiety, you should drink plenty of fluids and practice relaxation techniques. If your anxiety is serious, a mental health professional might suggest other treatment options, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), protection from exposure to harmful substances, and complementary health practices, such as meditation and yoga.

Breathing Shortness

This feeling of shortness of breath can be an indication of anxiety whether you experience it when you exercise or elsewhere during the daytime. This symptom is linked to all types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety and overthinking symptoms disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorders. Anxiety is often a cause of muscle tension, which can lead to a feeling that you are out of breath, especially in the back or shoulders region. These tensions can also lead to the cycle of anxiety and depression that can further aggravate these physical symptoms.

The reason that anxiety may trigger this and other physical reactions has to do with the body's fight-orflight response. This response is required to respond to a threat, but it could cause negative consequences if chronic anxiety activates it.

If you are experiencing anxiety it is because your body doesn't know that you're not in danger and there isn't a real reason to feel this way. This can create the feeling that you're constantly in danger, even when you're not, which is why it's crucial to work with a mental health professional.

If you're stressed your body releases a number of stress hormones. These hormones cause your body to respond like you are in danger. This can include feeling shaky. This is a normal reaction however it can be difficult to distinguish from other diseases and conditions that can lead to this symptom. For instance heart disease, blood clot in the lung or pneumonia could all trigger this. You should speak with your doctor to run tests and determine if there is a root cause that could be causing the symptoms.