Hi...I have been reading the Med Help Urology Forum for almost a year now and I just discovered this one! I suffered through major panic attacks two years ago. I managed to get through them with medication and counseling. It took me at least one year to feel like I was okay again. Shortly after that year, I discovered I had a congenital condition called UPJ Obstruction. I was given a test that required a contrast dye. About 3 hrs. after the test I began to have shortness of breath and ringing in my ears. I was taken to ER. Once there my symptoms drastically increased to severe hyperventilation, I couldn't feel my hands, feet, or nose. I was nauseated and sweating. After over one hour they finally "knocked me out". I chalked the whole incident up to another panic attack, because I did recognize the feeling of fight-or-flight at one point. Now almost a year has passed, I had another test with dye last Friday. I was pre-medicated with Prednisone and Benadryl for it, due to history of hives after dye. Then 2 hours later, difficulty breathing with ears ringing again, and my face was bright red and flushed. That lasted 1 1/2 hrs. My question is whether this may be physical (allergic reaction) or mental (panic attack). I thought my panic attacks were gone, or are they ever? How can I tell the difference? Thanks! Linda