Anxiety is the term used to describe a group of mental disorders that cause excessive nervousness, worry, and fear. It affects 40 million adults in the U.S. and sends many of those people to the hospital with physical as well as psychological symptoms. Many of these physical manifestations can be signs of other medical conditions, so patients should see a doctor to rule out other causes. Here are some of the ways anxiety affects the body.

Physical Symptoms That May Be Caused by Anxiety

1. Cardiovascular Symptoms

Anxiety produces a fight-or-flight response, as the body prepares to deal with a perceived threat by facing it directly or running away from it. Heartbeat speeds up, blood pressure rises, and you may feel dizzy or begin sweating as the blood vessels narrow. Some patients who are experiencing anxiety end up at the hospital because they think they are having a heart attack.

2. Shortness of Breath

Along with cardiovascular symptoms come changes in breathing. When the body perceives that it may need to fight or flee, it craves more oxygen, so breathing becomes rapid and shallow. The person may feel like they aren’t getting enough air, so they begin gasping for breath, which exacerbates hyperventilation and can cause weakness and lightheadedness.

3. Digestive Problems

In the fight-or-flight response, adrenaline decreases blood flow, which affects the muscles in the digestive system. This can cause various symptoms, including stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Also, the body may identify digestion as a nonessential function during a perceived emergency, resulting in constipation or loss of appetite.

4. Muscle Tension

Occasional muscle tension is a typical response to day-to-day stress, but in people with anxiety, it may become extreme. Unlike a normal stress response, which relaxes the muscles when the trigger has passed, anxiety keeps the muscles tense. This can lead to constant aches and pains, especially in the back, shoulders, neck, and jaw; it may also manifest as grinding of the teeth or restlessness in the legs.

5. Changes in Sleep Patterns

Anxiety can make a person unable to sleep, either due to constant worry or because of the discomfort caused by the other physical symptoms. Chronic insomnia causes perpetual tiredness, inability to focus, and increased irritability. Ongoing sleep problems may have other causes, so it’s a good idea to undergo a sleep study at a hospital to rule out other medical conditions.

With five locations in Mamou, LA, and the surrounding area, Savoy Medical Center is a leading hospital offering a wide range of services, including behavioral health and mental health rehabilitation. Their cancer center performs state-of-the-art oncology treatments such as chemotherapy, and their rehabilitation center includes a team that focuses on geriatric physical therapy. Call (337) 468-5261 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.