Panic Attacks: Adrenaline

What exactly makes someone who is having a panic attack feel so ill that they may be having a major heart attack? Are there physiological reasons for people to feel that their heart is pounding and may be beating too fast? What exactly is causing numbness and tingling of their limbs?

Let's get an understanding of what the body is going through as it is subjected to a feeling of impending doom. These attacks are real and can take their toll when they continue to occur. During one of these attacks the sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive. It is best described as the flight or fight response that our health needs when we are being confronted by someone that is threatening us with bodily harm. The Sympathetic nervous system activates your adrenal glands to provide the chemicals that hype up your organism to either fight or flee from the assailant. It activates the thyroid gland to stimulate the production of adrenaline from your adrenal glands. Immediately your blood pressure and pulse elevate as all of the blood in your body is sent to your vital organs.

The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and produce the corticosteroids that our organs require. The adrenal rush begins and when the crisis is over, the adrenaline production stops as quickly as possible. All of us would experience an immediate adrenaline rush if we were camping and came across a bear heading into our tent. It is the human's major defense mechanism to protect us from danger.
During a panic attack the body acts as if a saber tooth tiger were charging at it. Immediately the sympathetic nervous system begins allowing adrenalin to pour out of the pea size adrenal glands. Since there is really no perceived danger and there is a perception that the attacker is still present, the body cannot easily stop the production of adrenaline.

The way to treat these adrenalin surges involves medication, deep breathing and ridding the mind of negative thoughts that tell the person that they are going to die if the attack continues. It is essential that anyone prone to having panic attacks seek treatment immediately. Counseling is recommended to provide tools to diminish or prevent further episodes. Relaxation techniquesinvolving intense muscle relaxation helps a lot. Exercise during an episode helps to rid the body of adrenaline. Medication can stop the episode of panic.

There are definitely changes occurring in the body during an adrenalin surge. Hearts pound loudly, irregularly and rapidly. This causes both the blood pressure and the pulse rate to rise. There is an immediate increase in blood sugar and a reduction of blood to extremities. We begin to perspire profusely and feel that something very dangerous is happening to our bodies. Our extremities are demanding more blood and oxygen and begin to tingle and feel numb.
Once someone has had their first panic attack, they worry that this terrifying experience will reoccur especially when they are out in public. This fear increases their anxiety and will trigger another attack in the future.

Intervention is necessary to prevent further debilitating attacks in the future. With proper treatment, these attacks can be stopped or de-intensified. Don't be ashamed that you are having severe anxiety issues. Reach out and get the help that you need and deserve.