Panic Attacks vs Asthma Attacks: How To Tell The Difference

You might have wondered if you were having a panic attack or asthma attack if you’ve ever experienced a sudden tight chest with difficulty breathing. Asthma and anxiety can feel very similar, so it can be hard to tell if your breathing difficulties are anxiety-induced, or if your symptoms are getting worse.

Physical activities, changes in weather, and respiratory infections can also trigger this inflammation. Allergens, such as mold and pet dander, can cause it.

It can cause wheezing, severe shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain when asthma attack occurs because the muscles around the airways get tighter and more mucus is produced. An asthma attack can be treated at home with medication if caught quickly enough. However, if symptoms are not improving with medication, it is best to contact your medical professional right away. In the case of frequent attacks, you may experience deterioration in your quality of life, need to go to the emergency room more frequently, and might even die.

Also Read: Here Are 7 Weird Symptoms Linked To Stress You Didn’t Know About

Differences And Similarities

  Panic attacks and asthma attacks are similar, but they are not the same at all. It’s an intense bout of anxiety that comes on quickly and often without warning (via Healthline). There is no wheezing or coughing involved, but it can cause hyperventilation, dizziness, a high heart rate, and feeling out of control.

There are some similarities between an asthma attack and a panic attack, which makes it difficult to tell the difference between them. They both can cause tightness in the chest and trouble breathing. There is a possibility that asthma attacks can be fatal, but panic attacks cannot.

The fact remains, asthma symptoms can actually be triggered by strong emotions like stress (via MedlinePlus). According to a 2004 study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, asthmatic people have four times the risk of panic attacks. Asthma attacks can be difficult to distinguish, so this is partially due to this.

To mitigate your risk of asthma attacks and panic attacks, you should work with your doctor to establish prevention and treatment plans.

Also Read: Research: Psychopaths Become Parasitic Fathers Due To Their Tendency To Exploit And Abuse Children