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Panic attack
Hello docter.before 4 years during corona lockdown i feel shortness of breath,and chest tight feel,i considered it as a corona,and i suffered 6 month with that,now i am experiencing the same symptoms...i can't able to sleep in night...and i feel.difficulty to breath and chest tight feel whenever u think about that...is this the sign of panic attack?waiting for your reply...thank you in advance
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Basic investigation should be done then after that we can start with Medicine and psychotherapy
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Take professional help regarding your symptoms..detailed discuss about origin,duration and progress of your symptoms are required to be diacussed with psychiatrist
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Hello. The symptoms you are describing — chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and worsening of symptoms when you think about them — are very commonly seen in anxiety and panic attacks, especially when they first started during a stressful period like the COVID lockdown.
Panic and anxiety can cause real physical sensations such as air hunger, chest tightness, palpitations, and a feeling of suffocation, even though oxygen levels and heart function are normal. The fact that symptoms increase with fear or repeated thinking about them strongly supports an anxiety-related cause.
However, before labeling it purely as panic, it is important to rule out basic medical causes (such as anemia, thyroid issues, asthma, or heart/lung problems) with a physician’s evaluation, if this has not already been done.
If medical causes are excluded, treatment with anti-anxiety medication and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is very effective and can significantly improve sleep and breathing-related fear.
Please consult a physician or psychiatrist for proper assessment. With the right treatment, these symptoms are completely manageable, and many people recover fully.
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During periods of fear or prolonged stress, the mind can start closely monitoring breathing and chest sensations. Once this happens, even normal bodily sensations may feel uncomfortable or alarming. Thinking about the symptoms can then intensify them, creating a cycle of breathlessness, chest tightness, and difficulty sleeping. This pattern is commonly seen in panic or anxiety-related episodes, especially when similar symptoms were experienced in the past.
What you are describing does not automatically mean there is a physical illness, but it does suggest that anxiety may be reactivating old fear memories linked to that earlier period.
Next Steps
Some steps that may help bring relief include:
- Getting a medical check-up to rule out physical causes, which often provides reassurance and reduces fear
- Reaching out to a mental health professional, especially a therapist, to understand panic symptoms and learn how to reduce their intensity
- Practising slow breathing or grounding techniques, particularly when symptoms start or at bedtime
- Working on sleep routines, as lack of sleep can worsen anxiety-related sensations
- Gently limiting repeated symptom-checking or worrying thoughts, as these can keep the cycle going
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With the right support and guidance, panic-related symptoms can become much more manageable. You are not alone in this. To know more, you can always reach out for help to us at nine-five-two-two-five-five-five-seven-zero-three.
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Hi
What you are experiencing sounds very much like anxiety or panic related symptoms rather than a physical illness. The fact that these sensations first appeared during the lockdown, stayed for months, settled, and are now returning mainly when you think about them is an important clue. In panic and health anxiety, the body creates sensations like chest tightness, air hunger, and breathlessness, and then the mind starts monitoring the breathing. This constant checking increases fear, which further tightens the chest and disrupts sleep. Night time and lying down often make it worse because there are fewer distractions and more internal focus.
Panic attacks are extremely uncomfortable but they are not dangerous. Your body is reacting as if there is a threat when there is none. The symptoms feel real because they are real bodily sensations, but they are driven by anxiety, not damage to your heart or lungs. With proper understanding, reassurance, and therapy focused on breaking this fear sensation cycle, these symptoms can reduce significantly just like they did earlier.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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"Hi there, I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, but you’ve already taken the first brave step. I can guide you with a clear treatment plan tailored just for you, so you can feel better and regain control over your life. You can reach me directly on WhatsApp for quick support on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two."
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Hey, we will be needing more details to confirm if it's a panic attack or not.
As it has happened previously in corona period and after that nothing was there, we need to evaluate it further.
Please do consult a psychiatrist offline or online.
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Dr. Rajkumar Garkipati
Psychiatrist
1 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Based on your symptoms it pretty much sounds like an anxiety/panic disorder, with prior stressor. If the symptoms are repeating and causing distress. You need to consult a psychiatrist for proper diagnosis and rule out other physical illness and proper treatment.
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Dr. Indraja Sharma
Psychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Kota
Based on your symptoms and history, this does sound consistent with panic/anxiety, especially since it reappears when you think about it, worsens at night, and started during a stressful period (lockdown).
Panic attacks can cause chest tightness, breathlessness, and sleep difficulty, but they are not dangerous and do not damage the heart or lungs.
Still, it’s important to rule out medical causes once and then start anxiety-focused treatment (CBT, relaxation techniques, and medication if needed).
Please consult a psychiatrist for proper evaluation and relief.
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