is it an anxiety attack?

Question

sometimes when im eating, i suddenly get this tight feeling in my chest and its as if i cant breathe. it usually occurs when im eating when im already full. it really scares me. but it doesnt only occur at those times. sometimes it just happens when im sitting doing nothing. im under a lot of pressure at school

Answer 1

I will give you my hunch about what it is, but really you need to see your doctor to rule out a serious heart problem too.

While it could easily be an anxiety attack, it sounds suspiciously like gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disorder (GERD).

If you have reflux, your intestinal sphincter is lax and doesn't close properly, thus allowing stomach acid to be pushed back up into your stomach and even as far up as the throat.

It creates "heartburn" and other strange and uncomfortable sensations in the chest and/or throat region. Overeating triggers it. And the tip off is you mentioning this happens when you are really full with food.

You can also get "heartburn" in response to stress (like your school pressures).

Ironically, it's not unusual for a person to start having anxiety problems in response to GERD, thinking it's a worse condition.

Of course my hunch could be off so please, as noted, see a doctor to rule out another problem. And good luck.

Answer 2

This could be an anxiety attack, but it sounds more like indigestion. And then it could be something completely different. You should see your doctor for tests to make sure that it is nothing serious. If it is anxiety, knowing what is wrong might help relieve some stress from worrying about what it is. And they might possibly give you medicine to help relieve your symptoms

Answer 3

This could be an anxiety attack. What you should do when you feel it coming on is breath through your nose and exhale slowly threw your mouth. You really should see a doctor tell them your situation and they can prescribe you something to help.

Answer 4

Sounds more like a panic attack. Which I suppose can be one in the same thing. But it might be something more serious like a heart condition I would consult with a doctor soon.

Answer 5

Please go to the doctor as soon as possible. It could actually be a sign of fluid build-up in your pericardial sac, which surrounds your heart. Whatever it is, your health is not something you should be guessing at. Get a professional opinion.

Answer 6

Here is more info about anxiety attacks from the NIH website:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adfacts.cfm

Answer 7

whats anxiety?