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Can Anxiety Cause Throat Lump, Heart Palpitations And Body Numbness?

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Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2015
Question: Can anxiety or panic cause lump in throat, heart paputations, and numbness in upper body and arms.
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Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
These are common symptoms of anxiety as they are produced by stress hormones that are released during episodes of anxiety and panic.
These would return to normal when the anxiety / panic passes. If the symptoms persist without abating, it would be better to see a doctor, have yourself investigated for conditions like a hyperactive thyroid etc.
Take Care,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (9 minutes later)
Test I've had was ekg, blood test, and x-ray. All of which are normal. Half of my stress comes from my heart beating fast are not fast enough and thinking I'll have issues breathing.. If these test were good can you school me on how the body Works and why I shouldn't worry? Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Explanation follows

Detailed Answer:
Check if your Thyroid function was tested. If not get the same done.
We have an autonomic nervous system which controls the function odf our internal organs. There are two components of this - the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is the one which helped us historically when we were hunters to release sudden energy to either chase a prey or to escape from a predator. When we have an anxiety or panic episode, these neurotransmitters and hormones are released into the blood and these produce the symptoms. Parasympathetic nervous system especially the vagus works in reducing these and when they are in perfect balance, the physical symptoms usually do not occur.
If you eat a wholesome meal, exercise and practice stress relieving methods like yoa, meditation, relaxation exercises, then you would find that these episodes are less.
I don't think there is any reason for you to worry. If you are not convinced, a Holter monitoring of the heart and a pulse oximetry may be done which are likely to show no abnormality.
Best wishes,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (15 minutes later)
My TSH on my test is 2.331 which I assume from Google is my thyroid...normal, good?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Normal

Detailed Answer:
TSH is one of the Thyroid function tests and is good for screening.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

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Can Anxiety Cause Throat Lump, Heart Palpitations And Body Numbness?

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for your query. These are common symptoms of anxiety as they are produced by stress hormones that are released during episodes of anxiety and panic. These would return to normal when the anxiety / panic passes. If the symptoms persist without abating, it would be better to see a doctor, have yourself investigated for conditions like a hyperactive thyroid etc. Take Care,