Can Shortness Of Breath Cause A Panic Attack - Or Is It The Other Way Around?
Panic attacks have plagued mankind with no real understanding of what causes them for countless generations. Some believe that they are merely one of the body's ways of dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety; while yet others believe that there are deeper, psychological factors involved. Whichever is the case, there will always be those questions that we ask time and time again; including the age old question, "Can shortness of breath cause a panic attack?"
Finding The Answers
Can shortness of breath cause a panic attack? Many have asked that question in regards to their experiences with panic attacks. However, it is actually the reverse that is true. Panic attacks will cause shortness of breath, but generally not the other way around. Of course, a person experiencing shortness of breath may well be having a mild panic attack, and simply not be able to recognize the symptoms. If you are one of the many thousands who have asked themselves can shortness of breath cause a panic attack, then we must first educate you on what exactly a panic attack truly is.
A panic attack is a rather severe reaction to an undue amount of stress, or to a phobia. Those who suffer from panic attacks often experience shortness of breath, claustrophobia, and a general feeling of utter helplessness. Many people experiencing a panic attack have reported heart attack-like symptoms, and feelings of impending doom. While these symptoms by themselves do not always signal the onset of a panic attack, they are generally a very good sign that your body is trying to tell you something.
Can shortness of breath cause a panic attack? No. But a panic attack can, and almost always does, cause shortness of breath. There is an exception to this rule, however. For some people, claustrophobia or the fear of not being able to breathe (Pnigophobia) can be so strong that it will actually trigger a panic attack. This is a relatively rare occurrence, though, so it should not cause you unnecessary stress.
So, if you have been one of the many asking yourself can shortness of breath cause a panic attack, you can now rest assured that there is no cause to worry. Unless you are one of the few who are deathly afraid of breathless sensations, you should have no problems should you find yourself short of breath.
