EMOTIONAL STRESS

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and airways.  It cannot be caught like a cold or flu, but certain emotions may make an asthmatic’s symptoms worsen.  Strong emotions (positive or negative) can contribute to altered breathing patterns.  These emotions can cause existing asthma symptoms to flare.  Joyous occasions that involve laughing can leave an asthmatic gasping for breath because the regular breathing pattern was interrupted.  Anger can also be a trigger that elevates heart rate while reducing lung function.  Researchers have discovered asthmatic reactions are less severe when associated with positive emotions and more severe when associated with negative emotions; however, it is still better to express feelings        rather than repress them.

P.S.  Always carry a rescue inhaler so that you are prepared when encountering an unexpected, emotionally charged situation.

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