What does AAA mean in PHYSIOLOGY

An Acute Anxiety Attack is a sudden onset of intense fear or anxiety that can cause physical symptoms such as racing heart, sweating, shaking, difficulty breathing and feelings of dread.

The most common signs of an Acute Anxiety Attack include increased heart rate, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, nausea or feeling faint, dizziness or lightheadedness, trembling or shaking and feeling disoriented and confused.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of having an Acute Anxiety Attack. These include reducing stress levels through exercise, relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep every night.

Yes. Self-treatment for an Acute Anxiety Attack may include deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These tools help calm down the physical symptoms associated with acute anxiety attacks by engaging the body's natural relaxation response.

An acute anxiety attack typically lasts around 10 minutes but it can vary from person to person. In some cases the attack may subside on its own in a few moments while in others it can continue for hours or even days. It is important to seek professional medical help if the attack persists beyond normal limits.

If your symptoms persist despite self-care measures such as deep breathing exercises then seeking professional medical help is advisable. Other signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical assistance are worsening panic attacks or if thoughts become irrational or dark in nature during episodes of acute anxiety attacks.

Yes. Your physician may prescribe anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) which work quickly to reduce symptoms associated with acute anxiety attacks such as panic, fearfulness or restlessness.