Anxiety
Anxiety Symptoms in the Body: Tingling Legs, Racing Heart, Dry Mouth and Frequent Urination
Many people come to a doctor believing something is physically wrong: the legs feel tingly, the heart pounds, the mouth is dry, the bladder will not settle. These are common signs of anxiety. In Nepali: anxiety huda khutta jham jham hune, mutu dhukdhuk garne, mukh sukne, pisab ai rakhne. This guide explains why it happens and when to get checked.
Key takeaways
- Anxiety triggers the body's alarm system, which causes real physical symptoms.
- Tingling legs, a racing heart, dry mouth, frequent urination, sweating and a warm or feverish feeling are all common.
- New or severe symptoms should be checked by a doctor, because thyroid, blood sugar, anaemia and heart rhythm problems can look similar.
- Anxiety is very treatable with therapy, medicine or both.
The body's alarm system
When you feel threatened or worried, the body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones to prepare you to fight or run. Your heart beats faster, breathing quickens, muscles tighten and digestion slows. In anxiety this alarm goes off too often or too strongly, even when there is no real danger, so you feel physical symptoms without an obvious cause.
Common physical symptoms and why they happen
- Tingling or "jham jham" in the legs or hands. Fast, shallow breathing changes the balance of gases in the blood and can cause pins and needles, numbness and light-headedness.
- Pounding or racing heart (mutu dhukdhuk). Adrenaline speeds the heart to send blood to the muscles.
- Dry mouth (mukh sukne). The alarm response reduces saliva.
- Frequent urination (pisab ai rakhne). Stress hormones and tense muscles can make the bladder feel urgent, even when it is not full.
- Feeling warm, flushed or slightly feverish (halka jworo aaye jasto). Blood flow and body temperature shift during stress. A measured fever is different and should be checked.
- Sweating, shaking, nausea, chest tightness, dizziness, muscle aches and trouble sleeping.
Is it anxiety or something else?
Anxiety is common, but similar symptoms can come from an overactive thyroid, anaemia, low blood sugar, irregular heart rhythm, diabetes (frequent urination), caffeine or nicotine, some medicines, or alcohol withdrawal. A doctor can ask about your history and order simple tests where needed. Getting checked is not a sign that you are "making it up". It is sensible, and it also helps you trust the diagnosis when the answer is anxiety.
When to get urgent help
Seek emergency care for chest pain, fainting, breathlessness at rest, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, a high measured fever, or any thoughts of harming yourself. Call an ambulance on 102 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What can help in the moment
- Slow your breathing: breathe in through the nose for four counts and out slowly for six, for a few minutes.
- Ground yourself: name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear.
- Cut down caffeine, tobacco and energy drinks, which can mimic or worsen anxiety.
- Keep regular sleep and move your body daily, for example a walk.
These steps ease symptoms but do not replace treatment if anxiety keeps returning.
Treatment that works
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) teaches you to understand and change the thoughts and habits that keep anxiety going. Medicine can help when symptoms are strong or lasting. Many people improve within weeks to months. Read our guide to anxiety treatment and medicine in Nepal, or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can anxiety cause tingling in the legs?
Yes. Fast, shallow breathing during anxiety or panic can cause tingling, numbness and light-headedness in the legs, hands and face. It usually passes when breathing slows, but new or persistent numbness should be checked by a doctor.
Can anxiety cause a fever?
Stress can make you feel warm or slightly feverish, but a measured temperature of 38°C or higher is not explained by anxiety and needs medical evaluation.
Why do I need to pass urine so often when I am nervous?
Stress hormones and muscle tension can make the bladder feel urgent even when it is not full. If you also have burning, pain, thirst or weight loss, see a doctor to rule out infection or diabetes.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice from a doctor. If you are worried about your health or someone's safety, seek medical help.
In an emergency: Nepal Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Suicide prevention helpline 1166. Outside Nepal, call your local emergency number.