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Everything You Should Know About Stress-Induced Asthma
Stress can trigger an asthma attack. While there is no cure for asthma, there are ways to manage both the symptoms and the stress itself.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease. The airways of people with this condition become inflamed, narrowed, and filled with secretions. This makes breathing difficult.
Several things can trigger an asthma attack, including stress. Read on to learn about the connection between stress and asthma.
There is ongoing research as to the exact role of stress and stress hormones in asthma. Stress does appear to trigger asthma attacks in some people.
One study found a significant stressful life experience, such as the death of a close family member, increased the risk of an asthma attack by nearly twofold in children with asthma.
Research has also shown that the body's response to stress triggers the immune system and causes the release of certain hormones. This can lead to inflammation within the airways of the lungs, triggering an asthma attack.
Living with asthma may also cause stress and anxiety. Some studies have shown that asthma is associated with a higher likelihood of developing panic disorder later in life.
Is it stress-induced asthma or a panic attack?
A panic attack may feel like a stress-induced asthma attack. That's because they share many of the same symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two when they are happening, but it's important to know the difference.
If you have asthma, talk to your doctor about having a peak flow meter at home. This can help determine if your breathlessness is due to an asthma attack. It's important to recognize and treat an asthma attack because it can be much more serious, or even life-threatening, if not managed properly.
See your doctor if you have shortness of breath and other asthma symptoms. They can determine the cause of your symptoms.
Stress-induced asthma can be triggered by anything that causes stress, such as:
In some cases, you may not be able to identify the trigger.
You should always see a doctor if you're having difficulty breathing. Your doctor can help determine the cause. They may use a chest X-ray to exclude other causes of cough and wheezing.
Asthma is diagnosed using a variety of methods including:
There's no cure for asthma, but it can be managed. When treating stress-induced asthma, you'll need to treat both the asthma and the stress.
Asthma medications
Asthma medications typically fall into two categories: long-term controllers and quick relievers. Both are usually taken through an inhaler or nebulizer, though some come in a pill form. Injections may be necessary during severe attacks.
Stress reduction
Avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. In the case of stress-induced asthma, that means limiting stress.
If self-management techniques aren't enough, you may need to talk to your doctor about cognitive behavioral therapy, or consider taking an antianxiety medication.
Talk to your doctor if you experience trouble breathing. Your doctor can determine if you're experiencing stress-induced asthma and help manage your condition.
What To Know About Viral-Induced Asthma In Children And Adults
Viral infections are the most common asthma triggers in adults and children. A viral wheeze in toddlers is different than asthma, although some children with the condition eventually develop asthma.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness. It affects your lungs and makes it harder to breathe. People with asthma may experience asthma exacerbations, or "attacks." Pollen, dust, mold, exercise, and viruses can trigger an asthma attack.
Viral-induced (or simply viral) asthma is an attack caused by a viral infection.
Although not everyone is familiar with this type of trigger, viruses are one of the most common reasons for asthma attacks in children and adults.
Read this article to learn more about viral-induced asthma in kids and adults, including its mechanisms, symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips.
The following viruses usually cause viral asthma in children:
These viruses can cause bronchiolitis, or inflammation in the smallest air passages in your lungs called "bronchioles." Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory infection and the most common culprit of viral-induced wheezing in babies.
Severe cough during a respiratory infection is the most frequent symptom of viral asthma in children.
Not all asthma medications are appropriate for children. For example, most biologics are approved only for children over age 12.
Viral wheeze is a lung infection with symptoms similar to a common cold. It's more common in children younger than age 3 because their airways are smaller. It's different from bronchiolitis, although the same viruses can cause it.
The main symptom of this condition is wheezing, or an audible, whistle-like sound your child makes while breathing. It may sound like asthma, but it's a different condition. However, some children who had viral wheeze will go on to develop asthma as they get older.
If a doctor thinks the wheezing is from asthma, they will sometimes treat toddlers with some asthma medications, such as albuterol. These medications do not usually help if the wheezing is not caused by asthma.
When to see a doctor
An asthma attack can be life threatening. Seek emergency medical care if you have trouble breathing that lasts a few minutes, especially if it's accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms:
If you have asthma, you should see your doctor at least once a year and even more often if you have symptoms.
A viral-induced asthma attack is a frequent complication of respiratory infections in people with chronic asthma. Its symptoms are similar to those caused by other asthma triggers but may last longer.
People usually treat viral asthma with rescue inhalers. In addition, long-term asthma medication may help prevent future asthma attacks.
Viral asthma attacks are common in children with chronic asthma. Severe bronchiolitis in early childhood may be a risk factor for asthma later on.
The most effective way to prevent viral asthma is to practice respiratory infection prevention techniques.
Houstonians Battling Springtime Allergies May Also Develop Asthma
HOUSTON – According to the most recent allergy report, mold, grass, and tree pollen are high right now.
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Many Houstonians have been feeling allergy symptoms for weeks. Unfortunately, prolonged symptoms can lead to sinus infections or even asthma.
Asthma can develop, even if you've never had asthma before in your life. It's called allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma.
Lopez said as allergy symptoms linger patients will get inflamed on the inside leading to coughing and trouble breathing.
"Maybe shortness of breath that they don't typically experience," explained Serena Lopez, CVS Region Quality Lead and Nurse Practitioner. "The tight-knit tightness in the chest is another symptom that they usually experience, and of course, they need to be evaluated in order to confirm that diagnosis so we can give them that proper treatment."
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Treatment is allergic asthma is the same as any asthma and patients need a rescue inhaler to open the airway.
Houstonians are particularly vulnerable to developing this kind of asthma since some of the triggers include pets, pollen, mold (which is common in humid environments), and roaches.
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