Is It a Panic Attack or an ENT Issue?

Throat tightness, ear pressure, ringing ears, and dizziness don’t just feel unsettling—they can mimic a panic attack, leaving you anxious, scared, and searching for answers. But what if your anxiety isn't just in your mind? Many ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues trigger the same nervous system responses as anxiety, creating a cycle of worry and misdiagnosis. Too often, patients are prescribed antidepressants before ever receiving an ENT evaluation—delaying real relief.

How Sinus Problems Activate Your Body’s Stress Response

Stuffy sinuses do more than block your breathing; they overwhelm your autonomic nervous system. When you can’t breathe through your nose, your body senses a physical threat. That struggle to inhale and exhale can lead to chest tightness, shallow breathing, and lightheadedness, symptoms that are easily mistaken for anxiety.

A 2020 study shows that people with nasal congestion or obstructions report higher anxiety levels. Chronic sinus issues, like sinusitis, worsen stress by disrupting sleep, creating facial pressure, and lowering oxygen levels. The good news? Treating the root cause often brings calm back to both body and mind.

Dizziness, Balance Disorders, and the Feeling of Panic

Your balance system is meant to keep you steady. But when a vestibular disorder like vertigo, Ménière’s disease, or BPPV disrupts it, your brain receives confusing signals about motion and space. The result? Dizziness, unsteadiness, and a floating or disconnected sensation—quickly followed by a racing heart, rapid breathing, and pure panic.

Tinnitus and chronic dizziness are also tied to emotional distress. Without knowing an ENT condition could be to blame, many seek mental health support first—delaying proper care and reinforcing the idea that it's “all in their head.”

That “Lump in Your Throat” Might Not Be Nerves

Globus sensation—the persistent feeling of something stuck in your throat—is often mislabeled as anxiety. In reality, it's usually caused by physical factors like acid reflux, postnasal drip, allergies, or Eustachian tube dysfunction. When your throat is irritated or inflamed, that “lump” feeling follows, along with worry about what it means.

Schedule an ENT Evaluation for Panic and Anxiety

Finding relief starts with knowing the source. A thorough ENT evaluation can uncover hidden physical causes behind anxiety symptoms, including:

• Nasal endoscopy to assess airflow and sinus architecture
• Vestibular testing to identify balance disorders
• Reflux screening to evaluate laryngopharyngeal irritation
• Allergy testing to rule out inflammatory contributors

You don’t have to feel stuck between sinus pressure, dizziness, and anxiety. Exhale Sinus offers expert, compassionate ENT care designed to uncover the root cause—so you can breathe easier, feel steadier, and reclaim your calm. Schedule an online appointment with Exhale Sinus today!