Emergency Room Anxiety Attacks; Does an anxiety attack lead to a visit to the emergency room?

If you're asking yourself this question, the answer is Yes.

An anxiety attack can lead to a visit to the emergency room if intense anxiety and panic attacks are left untreated.

Anxiety attacks are a very real medical condition, and they can be very scary.

During an anxiety attack, your body and mind go into a "fight or flight" response, causing your heart rate to increase and your breathing to become shallow.

Anxiety attacks are a common condition that can affect many people at some point in their lives. Anxiety attacks occur when the body experiences a rush of adrenaline during a time of stress.

This causes physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing, which usually peak within 10 minutes. 

The symptoms usually subside after 20 minutes.

However, sometimes an anxiety attack can cause severe physical symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath that require immediate medical attention even if they only last for a few minutes.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately or call 911.

Every day, people deal with different forms of trouble.

These troubles can trigger anxiety on different scales. 

Anxiety is not necessarily a concern unless it becomes persistent to a point where it impedes your daily activities. 

But what happens when you visit an emergency room for an anxiety attack?

In this article, I will discuss what anxiety is and its types, and if emergency room anxiety attacks are causes for attention.

Risk Factors For Anxiety Attack

Anxiety attacks can be caused by several factors such as stress, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, depression, and phobias among others.

In some cases, however, it is hard for a doctor or even for the patient himself/herself to determine what exactly causes them.

Anxiety attacks have been linked to poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

The more you smoke and drink the more likely it is that you will suffer from anxiety attacks. 

Emergency room anxiety attacks can be quite traumatic.

 However, there are many other reasons why a person may need emergency medical attention.

Other risk factors for anxiety attacks include the following:

Genetics (if one of your parents suffered from anxiety then there is a greater chance that you will too)

Chronic stress (if you are under constant pressure at work or home this can make your body respond by releasing adrenaline into your system)

A traumatic event in the past (something like a car accident or being mugged may trigger an anxiety attack)

Poor diet (this is especially true if you don't eat enough fruit and vegetables).

When Anxiety Attacks Require Emergency Room Visits

There are many different kinds of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social phobia. 

These disorders can cause intense feelings of fear or worry that interfere with daily life and cause significant distress. 

In some cases, anxiety attacks may become severe enough to warrant emergency room visits because they are life-threatening.

There are times when having an anxiety attack is serious enough to necessitate a visit to the emergency room. 

Your doctor may recommend an emergency room anxiety attacks visit if you have any of the following signs:

You feel like you are going to die or lose control of your mind during an anxiety attack. 

You have chest pains that last more than 10 minutes

You're feeling lightheaded or dizzy and this can lead to a fall or accident which could result in serious injury or death.

You're having chest pains which could be indicative of heart problems or stroke.

You're having shortness of breath which could be indicative of asthma or other lung problems.

You're having difficulty in breathing, which could indicate that there is something wrong with his/her lungs or heart.

If you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, or if you are feeling faint or dizzy, these may be signs of a heart attack.

Seek medical attention immediately if this happens.

Anxiety attacks can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as well as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and tremors (shaking). 

If you have any of these symptoms after an anxiety attack, seek medical attention immediately.

Can You Make Emergency Room Anxiety Attacks Visit?

You can, but don't expect immediate attention when you go to a hospital because there may be a waiting line. 

Another reason is that most people who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks usually overcome their conditions way before getting medical attention.

However, if you start experiencing symptoms like chest pain; it is recommended to go to an emergency room for an anxiety attack visit immediately (since this could be a symptom of another condition).

Do Emergency Room Anxiety Attack Visits Help With Your Anxiety?

Yes. If you are experiencing serious symptoms, it would be beneficial to make an emergency room anxiety attacks visit. 

There, you will be examined to assess your current state. 

Your blood pressure would be monitored and you may be given medications to calm you down.

Getting help from professional medical practitioners, and making an emergency room anxiety attacks visit can have a great effect on your symptoms. 

Should Anxiety Be Considered An Emergency Situation? 

It is not uncommon to see people admitted to the emergency room anxiety attacks ward, although it is not necessary in some cases.

Normally, episodes of anxiety or panic attacks do not last longer than thirty minutes and they can be controlled by rigorous breathing exercises and by lying down. 

Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly and deeply helps.

In contrast, emergency room anxiety attack visits may be required if the attack is serious and the sufferer is unable to bring it under control. 

For instance, serious cases of hyperventilation can result in tachycardia – a condition where the heart beats so fast and is unable to pump blood around the body properly. 

You will need medications if you suffer from chronic anxiety and if it prevents you from accomplishing your daily goals.

Many people do not pay serious attention to anxiety because it looks like a minor issue. 

However, this is a dire mental health issue that has affected millions.

When To Make Emergency Room Anxiety Attack Visits?

As stated above, most situations of anxiety or panic attacks do not require medical attention. 

Notwithstanding, if you are having regular anxiety or panic attacks; you may visit the anxiety attack emergency room; especially when it accompanies physical symptoms like chest pains. 

Additionally, anxiety or panic attacks are early onsets of cardiovascular disease. You should also visit the emergency room if you are experiencing tachycardia. 

You will need medications if you suffer from chronic anxiety and if it prevents you from accomplishing your daily goals. 

Many people do not pay serious attention to anxiety because it looks like a minor issue. 

However, this is a dire mental health issue that has affected millions.

Conclusion

Because anxiety attacks can be so intense and frightening, they can cause you to think you're having a heart attack or stroke. 

But if you have an anxiety attack, your symptoms will resolve in 10 minutes or less. 

If the symptoms last longer than 10 minutes, go to the hospital right away.

People have anxiety for many reasons. 

There are a lot of people who suffer from anxiety but do not go to the emergency room. 

They feel that they can manage their situation on their own. However, some people feel that they need professional help and go to the emergency room.

While some are mild and necessarily do not require medical attention. 

Extreme cases of anxiety and panic attacks would require an emergency room anxiety attacks visit for medical examination and should not be ignored

No matter the intensity of your symptoms, it is better to err on the side of caution than to be sorry later.

Always visit a trained medical professional to be examined.

Resources 

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-phobia

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/overview/

https://villageec.com/blog/what-happens-when-you-go-to-the-er-with-anxiety/