When you sometimes suffer from shortness of breath, shaking and sweating, you could have a sudden onset of panic attack. Panic attacks can be triggered by various reasons that are sometimes unclear. It can also happen once or a number of times. Here's what you need to know about how to treat panic attacks.

Definition of Panic Attack

Panic attack happens when our brain acts in a defensive way against perceived threats, internal or external. It can be manifested in a person in different ways. A person with panic attack may have heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pains. Some people who hyperventilate during a panic attack can have a heightened sense of panic due to lack of oxygen.

So, how do you treat panic attacks?

Exercise

To treat panic attacks, you should be able to practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi or similar relaxation exercises. Meditation and allowing yourself to be one with nature can help you achieve a deep body relaxation. However, it is important that you practice these relaxation techniques in a peaceful environment to attain the desired result. Breathing and stretching techniques are the other forms of exercises that can also help control panic attacks.

Diet

Diet is one of the most important part in treating panic attacks. Watch your diet carefully and avoid caffeine. It can stimulate more activity rather than relax your brain and body. I know that most of us have already made coffee, soda, tea and even coffee candies part of our diet, but if you are one of those who experience panic attacks, it would be best to avoid them. Nervousness and anxiety can result from too much caffeine in the body. It can also deprive you of sleep that you will need to relax your body.

Vitamins and medication

See a doctor who can provide you with the necessary vitamins that will help combat panic attacks. Vitamins, such as B-complex, can calm a person suffering from panic attacks. Other doctors would recommend anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medicines that will help you relax during panic attacks.

CBT - Cognitive Behavior Therapy

CBT is done by a therapist to study the causes of panic attacks. Once found, they will resolve it with behaviors and responses that are more acceptable to avoid panic attacks. This will be successful only with the patient's cooperation. Otherwise, knowing the cause of panic attacks will not really lead to a successful resolution.

Interoceptive Exposure Therapy

This is a risky but a proven successful way to treat panic attacks. In a therapy session, the therapist will find ways to trigger the attack. Once triggered, the therapist will assure the patient that no harm that will come to him/her during the attack. Knowing this will give strength to a patient to combat the attacks in the future.

Persons suffering from panic attacks may avail of these treatments. The patient's full cooperation and determination to treat panic attacks is evidently vital to the success of the treatments. Your therapist may advise you that it could only be a psychological thing as there could be nothing wrong with your body physically.

So, how to treat panic attacks? Just calm down and relax, and visit a doctor or a therapist for professional help.