PART 3 OF ‘THINKING PANIC ATTACKS’

By William (for wheezingaway.com)

(A person without good breathing is a person with a life of constant caution….so, let us do what we can – to learn what we can –

To improve what we can!)

          Living with a chronic illness means living with constant learning. If it is my life the challenging conditions would be severe asthma, COPD, fatigue, and chronic heart condition, each condition demanding its own kind of education.

          The more we understand our bodies, the better we can navigate the unpredictable moments that chronic illness may bring.

          We began the four-part series ‘“Thinking Panic Attacks’ with an overview, followed by part two on ‘Breath-Related Discomfort’ and today we move into part three – ‘Uncomfortable Bodily Sensations’ – those physical symptoms that can appear suddenly and send the mind spiraling into a panic of fear.

          Many people misunderstand panic attacks, dismissing them as exaggerations or emotional overreactions.

          But anyone who has lived through a true panic attack knows the truth: panic attacks feel real, immediate, and can be frightening.

          As I have noted previously, “Those who have these panic attacks feel as if each and every one are as real and somewhat scary as anything they may have faced before.”

8 UNCOMFORTABLE BODILY SENSATIONS

          These are eight common physical sensations that may accompany a panic attack – especially for those living already with chronic illness, where the fear of a sudden trigger is always close by.

          …… 1. A Pounding or Accelerated Heart Rate – palpitations!

          …… 2. Chest Pain or Discomfort – sometimes mimicking a heart attack.

          …… 3. Sweating – even without heat or exertion.       

          …… 4. Shaking or Trembling – often in the hands, arms feet or legs.

          …… 5. Tingling or Numbness – in parts of the body or throughout.

          …… 6. Chills or Hot Flashes.

          …… 7. Abdominal Distress or Nausea.

          …… 8. A Sense of Unreality or Detachment from Oneself.

          These sensations or a combination of them can appear without warning, and for those us walking life with COPD or severe asthma, they can be especially alarming.

          I have had moments where shaking hands or sudden sweating made me fear of another heart event or attack. That fear alone can intensify into a sudden panic attack.

WHAT MATTERS MOST AT THOSE MOMENTS

          When any of those sensations appear, the most important step is to take time for the following steps:

…… Take a pause in whatever you may be doing at the moment.

…… Breathe – take a deep breath inward slowly, let it out slowly, try to relax your body, repeat at least two or three times.

…… Ground Yourself – sit down or lean on a counter so you have no chance of losing balance and falling.

…… Identify any possible triggers and gently, slowly remove yourself from them.

Panic attacks are not signs of weakness. They are part of the living reality in today’s walk of life, and they empathize for those managing a walk of life with the constant companion of a chronic illness or two.

REMEMBER – acknowledging the panic attacks and working through them is part of reclaiming control of a life already messy with a chronic illness.

THE REFLECTION HAS A QUESTION:

          (Each reflection on chronic illness will present a ‘reflection with a question’ to invite you folks to make conversation and community about these reflections.)

          Have you experienced any of these uncomfortable bodily sensations during a panic attack or anxiety episode?

          If so, how did you manage it?

          Your insights are appreciated and will help others feel seen, understood, and less alone.

FINAL WORD

          If you live with a chronic illness, stay alert to new symptoms, new knowledge, and new tools that can and should help you successfully navigate your journey. And if symptoms persist or begin to disrupt your daily walk of life – please for your sake and those around you get checked out. Early attention can make all the difference.

Continued happy smiles, appreciate gratitude and steady breathing – William

(Copyright@2026 by CrossDove Writers for wheezingaway.com – no part of this article may be used or copied without written permission.)

NOTES: Sometimes we share what may seem like medical information while we are only giving descriptions and highlights of various aspects of living with Chronic Illness. In no way do we want our information to be considered as your medical advice. Take what we write and ask your physician or medical specialist.