In modern life, stress is something we cannot get away from. Be it a presentation, organizing a party, or a wedding, anything can lead to stress and that just makes asthma worse. In 43% of the cases, patients have approved that stress has been the reason for their asthma attack. There is a common question which arises, “Is asthma curable?”
How stress triggers asthma?
When a person comes under stressful situations, anxiety or panic attacks hit. During such times, our body releases stress hormones to prepare us to deal with the danger in front of us in two ways, either run away or fight with it.
We know that the symptoms of anxiety or stress are faster heartbeats, breathing that is fast and shallow (also known as hyperventilating), and tense muscles. This results in a change in breathing pattern and inflammation of the airways to the lungs which triggers asthma attacks.
Other than stress, there are also a lot of factors which can lead to asthma attacks. Pollen from flowers, grass, weed pollen, cockroaches, dust mites, chemical fumes, animal dander, flu, strong odours from perfumes or any other scented products, respiratory infections, rigorous exercises, and extreme weather conditions mainly dryness. Even small or closed homes, energy-efficient homes, air heaters or wall-to-wall carpeting can trigger asthma indoors.
Symptoms of Asthma Attack
Shortness of breath
Breathing rapidly
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Coughing
Primary care for Asthma attacks
Asthma can be managed and kept under control with proper and long-term treatment. But the immediate measure should be an inhaler or nebulizer. It is often advised by doctors for asthma patients to carry rescue inhaler all the time with them. Asthma is quite prone to get triggered, hence it is important to stay prepared.
Following the treatment plan recommended by doctors is very important as that would give you an idea of what can trigger your asthma, and what are the symptoms of an attack so that you take the necessary steps.
Ways To Reduce Asthma attacks
Cutting down on asthma attack is only possible when you reduce stress. Stress management, medication for anxiety, and therapy are the best options to cut down on stress. But some changes in your lifestyle can aid a lot.
Have control on your breathing
While reacting to situations, inhale and exhale deeply to let airflow to your lungs. Box breathing can be a good option.
Avoid stressful situations
Anything you feel can be mentally stressful for you, take a step back from the situation.
Meditate more often
Meditation is a great stress-reliever. It helps in calming down your mind and bring your breathing pattern to normal. If you are new to it, there are a lot of meditation apps you can take help from.
Exercise
Not only for body but exercise is also important to quiet the mind.
Enough sleep
8 hours of undisturbed sleep every night works great in controlling stress. Also, maintaining a healthy diet helps.
Practice Yoga
Yoga keeps both bodies and minds healthy and stable.
Maintain your Asthma Routine
If you are going through something which is stressful, keep checking up with your doctor frequently. Make sure you are taking the medicines timely, using the inhaler in the right way, going for regular reviews, and following a written asthma action plan.
Talk with GP or Asthma Nurse
They can make the necessary changes to your asthma medication doses when the stress levels and high. They can sign you up for counselling and wellbeing services.
Life with Asthma
Asthma can never entirely go away, in other words, it cannot be completely cured. Another thing is that there cannot be one cure for asthma as there are different types of it. They can be different in presentation and genesis. For example, the ‘chronic cough asthma’ only results in coughing which is very different from ‘life-threatening asthma’ which leads to extreme respiratory failure and sometimes even death.
Asthma is very much controllable. Using the right medicines, maintaining a proper lifestyle and going for regular follow-up can keep your asthma in check.
Stress acts as both a direct and indirect trigger of asthma. Stress can make you flare you up, making you more prone to the natural triggers. It also leads to many unhealthy habits, like smoking, which are not suitable for asthma patients.
Give frequent visits to your doctors and let them know what you are going through and they will provide you with suitable medications. Controlling asthma is all in your hands.