Is this a panic attack or something more serious?

Question

I suffer from panic attacks and i have been having chest pains for a while now. The pain is only on the left side like right down beneath my b*****s..like under the skin there. Anyways, the reason i thought maybe it's just the panic attacks are because it most often only occurs at night time. I also suffer from acid reflux so maybe that's what it is. Just wondered if you all thought the same or it could be something different. I have been to the ER so many times thinking i was having a heart attack only to be perfectly fine and made look like an idiot. I'm just worried if i were to have a heart attack, God forbid, i wouldn't know the difference. Help me please

Answer 1

I think it is a panic attack, I get those ALL the time. I would consult a physician (shrink).  And also, try to not eat anything with flour in it for a day and see if you still end up with the pain in your chest area. I have no idea why this works, but it does for me)

And don't feel like an idiot for going to the ER. I ave gone thinking my appendix were going to explode... but it was just gas. I felt like an idiot, your not alone.

Answer 2

Been there before, & it's scary!  Panic attacks are such a pain.  Thankfully, I only had one in my 25 years, but my mom gets them almost daily since menopause set in.  Have you had pain on the left side each time you have a panic attack, or did you just start having pain there recently?

Anything you can do to relieve anxiety might help reduce the severity & frequency of your panic attacks.  My mom walks regularly, keeps the fan on & windows open, & avoids crowded areas whenever possible.  That has resulted in fewer panic attacks that don't hit her as hard.  If you aren't trying these strategies yet, see if they help you.  Certain natural relaxants like Green Tea & Chamomile Tea can also help de-stress.  Herbal supplements may help, as well.

Estrogen can contribute to panic attacks when it is higher or lower than what it should be.  Menopausal women report increased panic attacks in addition to heat flashes.  You might want to get your estradiol levels tested (sensitive E2 test).  Hope that helps reduce the panic attacks.

If your pain on your left side is caused by nerve impingement, a chiropractor might be able to help via adjustments.  While at it, treat yourself to a masseuse to help relax.  Just thinking you might have a heart problem is a major stress.

Answer 3

Here's a technique that I learnt to help me get through my panic attacks quickly...

I simply repeat the words 'cream cake' over and over in my head as quickly as I can without stopping.    You could use any word or words you like really but that's what I chose (because I like cream cakes).  It apparently works because it doesn't give your brain time to process the panicky thoughts and so helps you to relax again.  Seems strange I know ... but it works for me!

There's also a free ebook that I found really useful called 'Get Rid of Panic and Anxiety for Good'. If you want to take a look you can find it at: http://curepanicattacks.premiergold.info...    Even though I got it for free it has helped me absolutely loads!

Answer 4

hmm i suffered from panic attacks when i was 12-13 and yeah i would get pains to and i could see why you could be worried that you wont b e able to tell the difference...cause i remember wheni had them..everytime i had them ...which they were mostly at night too..it felt like i was seriously going to die..please go to a psychiatrist.because i would go to the ER too and i as well would look like a fool that thought she was having an asthma attack...so go to a physicatrist....they helped me get over them with some anxiety medince  so im sure they would help you...it would be worth it..geetting ridof anxiety attacks just helps a person so much an di think thats the only to get rid of that whole problem that if you dont know if its a heart attack or not..GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 5

I understand exactly where you're coming from.  I went to the ER on Sunday night worried that I was having a heart problem because I had chest pains and numbness in my arms.  It felt like I couldn't catch my breath and my chest was tight.  I wasn't sure what it was, because I had had anxiety attacks in the past, but just wanted to be sure.  With things like this, you never know.  Don't ever feel stupid or silly for going to see a doctor for this sort of thing.  It's very scary, and if you haven't experienced it, then you really have no right to say it's no big deal or that it's "all in your head."  I was told that I was having an anxiety attack and was given a prescription for Xanax to take as needed in case another attack came up.  I am thinking about talking to a therapist and definitely going to my doctor to discuss what I can do.  This type of disorder is not an easy thing to deal with, and regardless of what others might think, the most important thing is to take care of yourself.  Talk to your primary doctor about this and create a treatment plan for yourself.  This plan might include medication, therapy, meditation, yoga, setting a sleeping schedule or eating a healthier diet.  It's all up to you.  Just know that I understand, and I've been there.  Millions of people are affected by this, you aren't all alone.  

Answer 6

it very well could be from acid reflex and you are having indigestion so take an antacid and see if that helps . tums if you have some. and if you get this way at night it probally has to do also with something you ate. i am not a dr. but i had that problem for a long time and when i ate rich, spicy or greasy food i would hurt and burp alot sometimes i would burp so hard i would throw up.. or just get such a bloating that i would litterly throw up then i would feel better... after many months of this  it turned out  to be mt gallblatter. i hadda have it removed 1 year 6 months ago and since then i have been doing fine, so if it continues go see your dr. again. and ask about gallblatter attacks. hope this helps  

Answer 7

If you have a heart attack, you will know.  It will feel like somebody is squeezing your heart, and you will have difficulty breathing, and I don't think you would be able to type this question at all, so it is probably acid reflux.