An interview with Olga Karaseva, an emergency medical assistant, published by IA RuNews24.ru, discussed how to distinguish a panic attack from dangerous conditions and when it is really necessary to seek emergency help.
"A panic attack is often referred to as an exacerbation of vegetative-vascular dystonia," explains Olga Karaseva. "This is a condition in which the pulse rate increases, the pressure can either rise slightly or remain within the normal range, depending on the type. It is usually accompanied by a feeling of fear, panic, lack of air, numbness of the fingertips, and chest pains may occur that are incomprehensible and unrelated to heart problems."
She added that there are numerous symptoms — more than a hundred, and they vary from person to person. Overall, these symptoms are not life-threatening, but for someone experiencing this condition for the first time, it can be very frightening.
"If this is your first time and you don't know what's happening, it's better to call an ambulance or see a doctor," the specialist advises. "This will help to rule out more serious conditions such as heart attack or other acute pathologies."
However, if panic attacks recur regularly and become chronic, it may be necessary to take independent action.
"You can keep a 10 mg tablet of anaprilin at hand and dissolve it under your tongue. If the effect is insufficient, you can repeat it after 20 minutes. An overdose is unlikely, since the daily dose of anaprilin is allowed up to 320 mg," says the paramedic.
However, if a person has psychiatric disorders, anxiety, or similar conditions, consulting a psychiatrist is mandatory.
"The doctor will prescribe psychotropic drugs, tranquilizers. This is a highly targeted treatment, and it should be prescribed by a specialist," Olga Karaseva emphasized.
She added that self-medication or self-administration of medications without consulting a doctor is dangerous and can lead to complications. A panic attack is an unpleasant but usually safe condition that requires proper diagnosis and, if necessary, medication support.
When the first symptoms of a panic attack or severe anxiety appear, it is better to seek help from an ambulance to rule out more dangerous conditions. In case of repeated attacks, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine the causes and prescribe adequate treatment.