Editing Panic attack (section)

=== Acid-base disturbances theory ===
This theory suggests that there is a part of the amygdala that is able to identify when the pH in our brain decreases, i.e. becomes more acidic.<ref name=":7" /> This part of the amygdala is called the acid-sensing ion channel.<ref name=":7" /> Since panic attacks typically occur without an obvious external trigger (meaning there is usually nothing life-threatening happening to cause a panic attack), studies have shown that panic attacks may be caused by internal triggers.<ref name=":11" /> One such internal trigger is the amygdala sensing acidosis, which can be caused by inhaling CO2 (carbon dioxide).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":11" /> In fact, one study has shown that people with a history of panic attacks had disturbances in their pH level minutes before having a panic attack.<ref name=":11" />

Another theory, called the false suffocation alarm theory, is associated with the idea of acid-base imbalances in the amygdala.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":11" /> In this theory, inhalation of CO2 causes accumulation of acid in the blood and difficulty breathing, leading our brain to believe that we are suffocating, causing fear and panic.<ref name=":7" /> Studies have shown that inhaling CO2 can cause fear in people who do not have any prior history of panic attacks.<ref name=":7" /> This information has allowed scientists to suggest that panic attacks could be caused by our brain's inability to stop alarm signals that make us feel like we're suffocating.<ref name=":7" />