Anxiety disorder is highlighted during a live news broadcast due to a panic attack.

Last week, an Australian meteorologist experienced a panic attack while hosting his live segment, promptly returning control to his anchor colleague.

Nate Byrne, during a live ABC News Australia segment, admitted that he sometimes experiences panic attacks and that one was occurring at the moment of speaking.

Byrne, who had been open about his struggles with panic attacks in the past, recovered from the incident as his colleagues stepped in.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to ABC News Australia requesting comment.

Dr. Reid Wilson, PhD, a psychologist and the director of the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, commended Nate's colleagues at ABC News Breakfast for their excellent support.

Wilson told Planet Chronicle Digital that Byrne's openness about his condition likely contributed to the news team's supportive reaction.

It is important to share your panic attacks with safe and supportive individuals who won't ridicule or use it against you.

What is a panic attack?

Health care practitioners informed Planet Chronicle Digital that panic attacks are a component of the "flight or fight" response of the sympathetic nervous system, which drives individuals to remove themselves from danger even when the situation does not seem threatening.

According to Dr. Nancy Frye, PhD, a professor and the graduate director of psychology at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, during a panic attack, our heart rate increases and our body prepares to either fight or flee.

According to the APA, although a panic attack can be frightening, it is generally not harmful.

It can, however, cause anxiety about future attacks.

Wilson stated that they might relinquish more of their life in an effort to assuage the anxiety.

"It is crucial for them to acquire self-help skills to handle challenging circumstances."

A panic attack, as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), is an intense fear that suddenly arises and is disproportionate to the actual circumstances.

Repeated attacks can last for hours, according to the APA, although the attack usually subsides within minutes.

"It’s important to develop self-help skills to help face and cope with those provoking situations."

Experts suggest that the episode may occur in individuals who have recently experienced a traumatic event or a significant life stressor, such as death or divorce.

Attacks can also stem from a genetic predisposition for anxiety disorders or depression.

Symptoms of the condition

Suddenly, a person having a panic attack may experience a rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.

According to the APA, individuals may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea in addition to the symptoms mentioned.

Some other symptoms experienced by individuals include trembling, a "pins and needles" sensation in the fingers and toes, sweating, hot flashes or sudden chills, and a feeling of terror.

Dr. Fred Davis, associate chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, explained to Planet Chronicle Digital that during a panic attack, one may experience hyperventilation, which can cause numbness in the fingers and toes due to vasoconstriction resulting from an imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Health experts advise ruling out any underlying medical conditions before concluding that a symptom is a panic attack.

According to Davis, these symptoms can resemble other medical conditions such as a heart attack, asthma exacerbation, electrolyte abnormalities, thyroid issues, or neurological disorders.

A licensed therapist can diagnose a panic attack and panic disorder.

What to do in the event of a panic attack

If a panic attack happens, Davis advises to breathe deeply and slowly.

If symptoms of panic attacks continue or worsen, it may be necessary to seek medical treatment to rule out other causes, according to Davis.

Frye told Planet Chronicle Digital that while it may seem easy to calm down during a panic attack, it is actually much more difficult to do so.

"Acknowledging our worries and anxieties and reminding ourselves that our bodies are working to help us can be helpful."

"It's tempting to say that the way to cope with a panic attack is to calm down — but that is much easier said than done."

Frye advised concentrating on the present environment and recognizing that not all issues require immediate resolution.

If a person frequently experiences panic attacks and is constantly worried about another attack, they may have a panic disorder, which requires an evaluation and treatment, as stated on Mayo Clinic's website.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are some of the treatments that can help individuals cope with panic attacks and panic disorders, according to Davis and Wilson, as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Preventing panic attacks

Wilson observed that adopting certain lifestyle changes could help prevent panic attacks.

To improve overall health, it is important to prioritize sleep, minimize caffeine consumption, engage in regular physical activity, and limit alcohol consumption.

To manage life stressors, he suggests practicing relaxation techniques like meditation.

It's wise to check with your doctor if any of your medications are causing anxiety symptoms, according to Wilson.

Having a supportive social network and a strong sense of purpose can aid in developing a supportive social network.

Wilson advised to ensure that you utilize your abilities and endowments, and that your actions align with your values.

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Discussing recurring panic attacks with your physician is recommended by experts.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the APA for comment.