It can be difficult to differentiate between asthma and panic attacks because both involve similar symptoms. Both these disorders can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath. These disorders can come as a pre-existing disease for some people. Such conditions are not covered under conventional insurance plans, and the coverage is offered once the waiting period for these medical conditions is over.
Nonetheless, before purchasing a comprehensive insurance policy, one must understand the differences between an asthma attack and a panic attack to identify the symptoms.
Differences between Asthma Attack and Panic Attack
Usually, asthma occurs due to intrinsic constriction and inflammation of bronchial tubes and airways, while panic attack comes from severe anxiety. Both these conditions involve separate considerations for management and treatment. It can be a pre existing disease for some people.
Nonetheless, to comprehend both the disorders, here is the breakdown of their prominent differences:
- Breathing difficulties
In the case of an asthma attack, constriction of the chest minimises oxygen intake, while in case of a panic attack, shallow and rapid breathing increases flow of oxygen.
- Psychological impact
In case of an asthma attack, it can cause immediate stress and anxiety over new attacks. In contrast to that, panic attacks can cause intense fear. Moreover, such disorders can also cause stress and anxiety between attacks.
- Physical symptoms
Blockage and inflammation of airways can significantly cause coughing and wheezing. While panic attacks do not block the airways, they can cause dizziness, muscle cramps and increased heart rate.
- Triggering factors
Asthma attacks trigger factors like extreme temperatures, stress, exercise, and allergens, while panic attack triggers phobias, external stressors, stress, medication side effects, chronic disorders, etc.
Now that you understand the difference between asthma and panic attacks, if one of them is your pre-existing disease, you can opt for a comprehensive health insurance policy. Although, insurance providers are sceptical about offering such plans to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. This is why they specify certain waiting periods in such cases, and the coverage is offered once the pre-existing condition is over.
Ways to Manage Asthma Attack
The primary triggering factor of asthma is anxiety. In this regard, it is best if you avoid other asthma triggers to prevent attacks from other sources. You can take care of asthma by doing the following things:
- Consult your doctor
You need to consult your concerned doctor on a daily basis regarding asthma flare-ups, symptoms, triggers etc. Try to follow the recommended asthma treatment plan prepared for you. You can ask for additional medical advice if you have an anxiety disorder or asthma.
- Monitor your triggers
It is very important to monitor your triggers and attacks in the first place. You can conduct this with the help of an asthma action plan.
- Stay calm in a stressful situation
Whether you go through anxiety, asthma or both, it is crucial to stay calm, focused and relaxed in a distressing situation. It not only helps you to avoid attacks but is also beneficial for your overall health.
Ways to Manage Anxiety Attack
While it is not entirely possible to control anxiety attacks, you can at least try to prevent them by employing the following measures:
- Breathe deeply
If you understand that you are stressing out, you need to force yourself to inhale and exhale slowly to control your breathing difficulties.
- Relax your muscles
When things get stressful, our body becomes naturally tense. During such situations, you need to relax each of your muscles individually. Then, you can schedule a massage appointment or visit a chiropractor.
- Stay calm and focus
You need to try to divert your mind and focus on something else other than stressful matters. Try to think about something that makes you happy and focus on less-stressful topics to control stress.
To summarise, if you have any of the disorders as pre-existing diseases, try to follow the ways to manage them to keep your body and mind healthy. Alternatively, you can avail quality treatment for such disorders without worrying about finances by opting for an inclusive medical insurance plan. However, you may need to wait until the end of a waiting period to avail of necessary coverage available under such health insurance plans.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.