You already know that you need to avoid any personal asthma trigger to help keep your asthma symptoms under control, so you stay away from smoke, pets, polluted air, and anything else that causes your asthma to flare. Stress is another common asthma trigger that you may not be as aware of and that can be difficult to avoid.
A clear connection exists between stress and asthma, says Jonathan Bernstein, MD, an immunologist and professor at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. A number of published studies have shown a strong relationship, says Dr. Bernstein, and more research is underway.
Asthma and Stress — a Complicated Relationship
There are numerous parts to the asthma-stress relationship. Uncontrolled asthma on its own can create stress — if you’re having trouble taking in air, it’s bound to create anxiety and, in turn, make your asthma worse. What’s more, certain stressful facets of everyday life have been linked with asthma, says Bernstein. Family, financial, or work stress has been shown to worsen asthma and the overall severity of the disease, though the exact mechanism by which this happens isn’t clear, Bernstein adds.
The physical effects of stress and a gush of emotions can act as asthma triggers. When people cry or get anxious and upset, breathing becomes harder, faster, and shallower. Crying also increases secretions, like mucus, that can make breathing more difficult and make asthma symptoms much worse. In addition, stress can weaken your immune system, increasing vulnerability to asthma attacks and infections, worsening asthma symptoms.
Manage Stress, Breathe Easier
http://www.everydayhealth.com/asthma-pictures/things-that-can-trigger-asthma-attacks.aspx