Are you having an IBS or a panic attack? *Sometimes it’s hard to tell. *
The racing heartbeat, cramping and gut pain, nausea, sweating, shallow breathing, and sudden explosive urgency of an IBS flare can feel exactly like a panic attack.
And vice versa.
That’s because both conditions involve the autonomic nervous system and are heavily influenced by the gut-brain connection.
(With IBS, it always seems to come down to the gut-brain connection!)
And sometimes, it’s nearly impossible to tell where the IBS attack ends and the panic attack begins - because often, horrifyingly, they’re happening at the same time.
Anxiety can trigger gut spasms.
Gut pain sends panic signals to the brain.
This creates a feedback loop that can escalate quickly.
Why does this happen?
The same nerves that regulate bowel movements also play a role in emotional processing and stress response.
When those nerves are overstimulated - by stress, food, or inflammation - your body can misinterpret the gut discomfort as a serious threat, and launch a fight-or-flight response.
It’s a nervous system loop that **amplifies both physical and emotional symptoms, **often simultaneously.
In short: When your gut overreacts, your brain may think you’re under attack.
And more about the IBS brain-gut dysfunction…
You are not alone.
P.S. If you need help or have questions hit the Green Button below and I’ll try to answer every one of you!
If you need immediate help please join my Private IBS Coaching.
XOXO
Heather
Heather Van Vorous
40+ years of IBS advocacy
Get full help for IBS here
Get Heather’s Tummy Care here
