Panic or anxiety attacks are sudden episodes that are characterized by a shortness of breath and chest pains as well as an overwhelming crippling sensation of fear and anxiety.
They can be traumatic and very intense and, especially the first one, can leave a person in recovery for extended periods of time.
They are also associated with a wide range of symptoms that can vary from person to person.
There are many things that can trigger a panic attack, here are some of the most common:

• Genetics.
  It's been discovered that panic attacks are a trait that is passed on and that members in the same family tend to share a propensity towards panic disorder.
  However, it's not unusual for people to develop them without no family precedents.
  It is hard to judge how much of the risk for panic disorder is carried in the genes and how much of it is cultural or due to upbringing.
  In some families an accumulation of stress over a long period of time has been found to relate to a higher likelihood of developing panic attacks.
  
• Various physiological causes.
  There are several disorders and causes of a biological nature that can contribute to panic attacks.
  Some of these are OCD, TSD, hyperthyroidism, prolonged low blood glucose, and even some parasites can also cause behavioral symptoms.
  
• Intense pathological fears.
  A common cause of panic disorder is being exposed to the subject of a particular phobia.
  
• Great personal stress.
  Everything from the loss of a loved one or important life changes can trigger panic attacks.
  If this is coupled with some substances, like tobacco or caffeinated drinks, the effect can be more pronounced.
  
• Repressed feelings and extreme negativity.
  
• Passivity.
  Studies have shown that many people that are not assertive in their daily life and practice excessive passivity in their relationships with others tend to develop panic attacks over time.
  
• Drugs and medication.
  Many medications, like Ritalin or some kinds of antibiotics, list panic attacks as possible side effects.
  These should go away once the medication is interrupted.
  They may also appear as part of the withdrawal symptoms for some medications, especially in patients that are predisposed towards this kind of condition.
  

There are several other causes for panic disorder, including some syndromes and chronic illnesses.
It is important to treat them as serious medical conditions, rather than dismissing them as hysteria or nonsense.
A doctor should be able to help most patients to deal and reduce the frequency and intensity of their attacks.