From the first day I ever had a panic attack, I have had one flagship symptom that almost always shows up. It might not be the only symptom during a given attack, but it is always there. My throat tightens. It makes it hard for me to eat and I choke on food. However, I can always breathe. I have finally learned that and it helps with the attacks. I hate this feeling. Benzodiazepines make it go away or at least ease up, but I don't want to be on them forever. I just have them in case I need them occasionally for a bad attack.

I can handle a lot of the other symptoms, but this one is so bad for me. When I have a day full of attacks, I almost never get relief in my throat and I don't eat much.