Did you know stress can contribute to the development of asthma? When you experience stress, your body releases hormones that can tighten your airways and make it difficult to breathe. As part of the symptoms, you will experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. On this World Asthma Day, we spoke to our experts who explained the connection between asthma and stress and how to manage it.
According to the World Health Organization, asthma stands as a significant Noncommunicable Disease (NCD), impacting individuals across various age groups, from children to adults, and remains the most prevalent chronic condition among children.
It manifests through inflammation and constriction of the small airways within the lungs, resulting in symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. In 2019, asthma affected approximately 262 million individuals, leading to 455,000 fatalities.
Stress: Common Trigger for Asthma Symptoms
Dr Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri recipient and Founder and Chairman of Dr Batra’s Group of Companies, highlights the physiological responses triggered by stress.
He said, “Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released during stressful situations, potentially leading to breathing difficulties. Stress weakens immunity, rendering individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Moreover, stress-induced behaviours, such as shallow breathing can provoke asthma attacks.”
According to a study conducted in 2020, there is a correlation between prolonged stress and the development of asthma, especially when stress occurs during childhood or adolescence, or when an individual experiences multiple stressors.
Also Read: Intrinsic Vs Extrinsic Asthma: Expert Explains Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment
Homoeopathic Approaches to Managing Stress-Induced Asthma
Dr Batra emphasises the efficacy of homoeopathy in preventing asthma attacks by addressing their root causes and airway inflammation. He suggested specific remedies for stress management and asthma relief as follows:
- Kali Phos 6x: Recommended as a natural relaxant, to be taken as two tablets twice a day
- Ignatia Amara: Suggested for treating stress and depression
- Arsenic Album: Recommended for shortness of breath worsened after coughing
Dr Batra added, “Reducing the influence of stress on asthma involves incorporating relaxation techniques, exercise, and sufficient sleep into a comprehensive asthma management regimen, alongside medication use and trigger avoidance strategies.”
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Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Asthma
Dr Sumit Sawhney, General Physician, Shivam Hospital, Delhi, delves into the intricate relationship between stress and asthma.
He said, “Stress can have an unforeseen effect on the complex relationship between the mind and body, possibly setting off the complex pathways leading to asthma. Anxiety, a common manifestation of stress, can constrict airways and impede breathing, intensifying asthma symptoms.”
Also Read: Asthma Exacerbations: Why Asthma Intensifies During Illness And How to Deal With It
Stress as a Dual Threat: Psychological and Physiological Impacts
Dr Sawhney highlightsstress as not only a psychological adversary but also a physiological trigger for asthma. He added, “Stress disrupts the harmonious balance of bodily functions, exacerbating the underlying patterns of breathing. Asthma responds to stress like a finely tuned instrument, with symptoms intensifying in tandem with heightened tension.”
According to a 2021 study, stress or stress-inducing factors may also impact asthma through indirect pathways, including tobacco consumption, weight gain or obesity resulting from unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity, and decreased adherence to treatment regimens. Additionally, stress or stressors might interact with other asthma risk factors, such as indoor and outdoor pollutants.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any health complications to get the necessary treatment.]