HYDERABAD: Asthama attacks occur more frequently during period of stress and anxiety, said Dr Ramana Prasad Velamuru, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist Respiratory Intensivist, KIMS Hospitals, here on Sunday.
“Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, it requires medication to prevent symptoms or rescue medications to open airways during an attack, Dr Ramana said.
Although stress won’t prompt a new case of asthma, it may worsen the disease in people who already have it, the Expert said on the occasion of World Asthma day on Monday.
Scientists have documented a range of stressful events that have been associated with asthma symptoms, he said the events include school exams, public speaking, family conflict, public disasters, and exposure to violence.
Stress may directly affect the body or cause people to manage their asthma less effectively. Asthama control is more difficult, the expert said First, stress and anxiety can cause physiological changes that may provoke an attack. These strong emotions trigger the release of chemicals, such as histamine and leukotrienes, which can trigger the narrowing of your airway.
During periods of stress and anxiety, people might forget to take their asthma medications, making an attack more likely, Stress-related hormones also reduce the body’s ability to fight off colds and other respiratory infections. “Viral infections are very important causes for triggering asthma, he stated.
Exercise is a great way to burn off the effects of stress, he stated and said learn relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or clearing of negative thoughts would ease the effects of stress.
An asthma attack typically subsides in 5 to 10 minutes and if it doesn’t ease in 15 minutes or gets worse, it’s time to get medical help, Dr Ramana suggested. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
