Restoring My Complexion

Chronic Stress: Is It Making Your Asthma Worse?

22 November 2017 by Dylan Owens

If your asthma symptoms seem to get worse instead of better, you may be under chronic stress. Chronic stress is an ongoing problem that can affect your mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and physically. This type of stress can also make asthma worse in some people. Learn how chronic stress affects your asthma and how you can control both health serious health problems now. 

How Does Chronic Stress Affect Your Asthma?

Chronic stress is just one of many types of stress known to affect children, teens, and adults today. Although chronic stress occurs from everyday problems, such as paying bills and raising children, many people tend to ignore it. Ignoring the signs of chronic stress can be dangerous, especially when you have asthma. 

Over 25 million people suffer from asthma symptoms in the United States. Many of these people develop severe symptoms when they're exposed to triggers, such as dust mites, mold, and chemicals. Emotional triggers like stress can also cause symptoms to flare up. 

Stress can kick your body's flight or fight response into high gear. You become anxious and short of breath, which can cause your air passages to constrict or tighten up. Some individuals also panic and hyperventilate from their ordeals. Hyperventilation can be dangerous because it causes you to wheeze and breathe faster than normal. 

You can keep your asthma from flaring up by controlling the chronic stress in your life.

How Do You Control Chronic Stress and Asthma?

If your life is extremely hectic or busy, try to slow it down by taking frequent breaks during the daylight hours. Schedule your breaks during times of great distress, such as after a business meeting or taking care of a young child. Also, sign up for yoga and other relaxing exercise programs. Yoga can teach you to control your breathing over time.

Finally, see an allergist specialist for treatment. Asthma can cause lifelong problems if it goes unchecked. A specialist may offer stronger medications to control, lessen, or shorten your flareups. In addition, stress can trigger other respiratory problems, including allergies. Allergies can worsen asthma as well. 

After you find ways to control the stress in your life, maintain good health by monitoring your asthma symptoms. If your symptoms flare up again in the future, make note of when the symptoms occurred. It may help you pinpoint the things or stressors that trigger your attacks. 

To learn more about stress and asthma, contact an allergist today.

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