Panic attack symptoms? Google searches for health info double as coronavirus rages

As coronavirus continues to spread, fear and anxiety grow among many.

Searches for “panic attack symptoms” are up 100% compared to what’s been typical over the past year, according to data from Google.

Panic attacks can cause a rapid and pounding heart rate, shaking or trembling, shortness of breath, a tightness in your throat, hot flashes, chills, sweating and a “fear of loss of control of death,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Some of these symptoms, like shortness of breath, are similar to coronavirus symptoms.

“A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause,” the Mayo Clinic said. “Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.”

How could coronavirus lead to panic attacks?

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The coronavirus pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions of fear or anxiety, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in,” the CDC said. “People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.”

Experts say the fear and uncertainty that come with coronavirus are hard to handle and can create lots of stress and anxiety.

“For many people, the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to handle,” said HelpGuide, a nonprofit mental health and wellness site. “We don’t know how exactly we’ll be impacted or how bad things might get. And that makes it all too easy to catastrophize and spiral out into overwhelming dread and panic.”

How can you prevent a panic attack?

Experts haven’t figured out the best way to completely stop panic attacks, according to WebMD, but they have a few tips to help prevent them.

Eating right and avoiding smoking and caffeine can help reduce anxiety, according to the website. Alcohol and drugs can also throw off emotional balances.

Experts also suggest changing how you handle negative thoughts. Challenging irrational thoughts can help gain a sense of control.

Meditation, regular exercise and getting enough sleep are also important, WebMD said.

During the coronavirus pandemic, many gyms are shut down, and more parks start to close their gates. Social distancing keeps people isolated and mostly indoors, but doing at-home workouts to move the body could help the mind.

“The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people,” the CDC said. “Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.”