Does stress make your asthma worse? Let's talk about this!

When you feel stressed out from a lot of work at the office, or when you are stressed out from a problem at home, do you suddenly find it hard to breathe and feel like your chest is constricted? If you have asthma, you may have also felt that your condition worsens at times like this. This is actually not unique to you. Many people have this experience.

Can stress and anxiety really make asthma worse?

Simply put, yes, it is possible. Among the many factors that contribute to the increase in asthma, stress is one of the main reasons.

Think about it, stress is our body's natural response to some challenge or change. It can be something good or something bad. However, the body sees it as a threat.

This stress affects not only your mind, but also your entire body. These mental and physical changes can cause us various discomforts. Along with stomach aches and chest tightness, you may also experience difficulty breathing. This condition is especially likely to worsen if you have asthma.

What are the symptoms of asthma exacerbation due to stress?

The symptoms of stress-induced asthma are very similar to those of regular asthma. These symptoms can occur even with a little bit of anxiety or stress.

This is because when we are stressed or anxious, our bodies release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can cause the muscles in our airways to tighten and swell. This makes it harder to breathe, which can trigger an asthma attack.

Also, if a person is under stress for a long time, it can cause a prolonged inflammatory response in the body. This increases the risk of an asthma attack.

Below are some of the most common symptoms that occur when asthma is exacerbated by stress.

Okay, so how do you control this stress-induced asthma flare-up?

We may not be able to completely eliminate stress from our lives. But we can learn to manage it. By finding ways to manage stress and relax, you can help prevent asthma from getting worse over time.

"Knowing exactly what triggers your asthma flare-ups is the first step to controlling them. When we identify these triggers, we can prepare ourselves to avoid them in the future," doctors point out.

If you're trying to reduce asthma flare-ups and manage stress, these methods may help you.

First thing to do: Use your inhaler.

The most important thing is to take steps to control your asthma symptoms as soon as possible. Follow your doctor's asthma action plan exactly. Use your quick-relief inhaler, also known as a 'rescue inhaler,' as needed. This will help open your airways quickly and make it easier to breathe.

Controlled Breathing

Special breathing exercises can help you control your breathing and calm your mind before, during, or after an asthma attack. By focusing on your breathing, you can stay calm during an asthma attack. It's also a great way to reduce stress over time.

Get away from environments that increase stress.

Sometimes, simply getting away from a stressful or upsetting situation or event can be a great way to reduce stress. If possible, go to a quiet, peaceful place and sit or lie down in a chair to relax. If you can't find a place to do so, close your eyes for a moment. Or put on headphones and listen to some soothing music.

Use relaxation techniques

Relaxation exercises are very simple. They combine deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and positive thinking. These techniques can help reduce your overall stress level and help you manage sudden anxiety.

• Positive affirmations
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Mindfulness
• Meditation

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Often, stress increases when we have more responsibilities than we can handle. If this continues, you can become mentally and physically exhausted (burnout). Therefore, instead of trying to do all the housework and office work alone, ask for help from someone you trust. It is much better to ask for help than to bottle up your feelings and put unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Also, if you need long-term support, a therapist can help you. They can give you guidance on how to cope with difficult situations, respond to stress in a healthy way, and reduce anxiety.

Think about your overall health.

Anything that is good for your overall health is good for your mental and emotional health, as well as your asthma. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve lung function. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are especially helpful for reducing stress levels.

If you feel like you're having trouble managing stress, make an appointment to talk to your doctor for further advice and support.

"To maintain good physical health, it is essential to have healthy mental and emotional health. Exercise is the best medicine. Although starting to exercise may seem difficult, you can start little by little, slowly," doctors emphasize.