Many become pale and sweaty, feel faint and nauseous, and sometimes vomit. Some people get only mild symptoms, whilst others get such severe symptoms that they're terrified they are dying. When the attacks are very distressing, people often say afterwards how they thought they were having a heart attack. Anyone can be affected by panic attacks. It's particularly common for anxious people to suffer with them, and also for those who are depressed.
Panic attacks can run in families too.
They can be triggered by everyday fears, such as spiders, heights, or crowded places, for example. Avoiding the triggers, if they're known, and learning how to deal with the attacks is the first step to successful treatment. This is usually easier once someone understands what is going on, and that they are not going to die. Behavioural therapy is used to help people deal with their fears, and to teach them how to recognise the early warning signs that an attack is on the way, and how to control it. Relaxation techniques, for example, breathing exercises, work well, and are easy to put into practice.