If you’ve ever experienced a bout of anxiety, you’re well aware of how upsetting the condition can be. But what you may not realize is that certain health conditions can cause many of the same symptoms as anxiety.
Figuring out the root cause of your symptoms is the first step in charting a course toward relief. Kadie E. Leach, MD, is here to shed light on how to distinguish between symptoms that originate in the body versus those that originate in the brain.
Anxiety is not just a natural part of life, but an essential one. It’s the natural response to circumstances that seem threatening. Anxiety is what creates a flood of adrenaline and other hormones that create your “fight or flight” response. It’s also what makes you feel uneasy when faced with a situation that could become dangerous.
But chronic anxiety is different. It develops when a combination of factors makes you feel anxious or worried over long periods, often for no apparent reason.
Here are some of the symptoms of anxiety:
Most people only experience some of these symptoms, and they can change from time to time.
Because the symptoms outlined above are frequently associated with numerous health problems, it isn’t always easy to determine the exact cause. Here are some health issues that can bring on many of the same symptoms as anxiety.
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax during sleep, preventing you from breathing normally. It can cause fatigue during the day, as well as racing thoughts, worries, mood changes, and periods of rapid heartbeat.
IBS, a chronic digestive issue, can cause stomach pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. Understandably, you might also notice an uptick in worry when dealing with digestive health problems.
Problems with heart function can lead to rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, two common symptoms of anxiety. Panic attacks, which are an acute experience of anxiety, can feel virtually identical to a heart attack.
Asthma is an inflammatory condition that prevents normal breathing. Sufferers often feel as though they cannot take deep enough breaths to fill their lungs and experience symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and chest tightness. Understandably, asthma attacks often bring on serious anxiety.
Everyone experiences periods of anxiety, so taking steps to learn how to manage the symptoms is worthwhile even if you don’t have ongoing anxiety problems. Many people can find relief through activities that calm and focus their minds. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or a long walk can all be helpful.
Talk therapy is also a great way to understand how your body and brain respond to stressors and learn techniques for managing stress. If these efforts relieve your symptoms, then there’s a good chance that anxiety was the root cause.
As you can see, determining the cause of your symptoms is not always a simple process. That’s why it’s so important to work with a skilled medical professional to get to the bottom of any changes you experience in your day-to-day health.
Of course, if you experience chest pain, recurring changes in your heart rate, or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical care immediately, even if you think that anxiety is the cause.
If you’re concerned about anxiety and other health issues, consider booking a visit with Kadie E. Leach, MD, for a thorough health assessment. You can always reach our office by phone during normal business hours, and we also offer an online booking option that’s available 24/7.
