Stress and asthma?

[Flowergirl78]

Hi, is asthma and stress linked in any way? I mean can being stressed make your asthma worse or is it completely separate? As earlier this evening obviously with things they are (husband going through some extreme stressful work times and macho mum (or dad for those of you also reading!) taking husband, kids, dogs, house all in one space on by herself, we're all going through it) and just had a moment where I was running around after everyone and I just needed to breathe, not a panic attack kind of moment, no 'oh my god I cant breath, no heart palpitations. More a calm knowing that I needed to stop and get more air in my lungs and just found myself sitting in the back door way in fresh air and had 3 puffs of my ventolin and then was a better.

The reason I ask is I had my best peak flow tonight of 490 but dont usually have 3 puffs at one time. I know what anxiety is and this wasn't it. Trying to learn between asthma and confusion with other things as currently in an asthma flare up after nothing for awhile.

Will also add am on day 4 of 5 of prednisolone for flare up and also take fostair twice daily and fexofendine. Flare up has been building from triggers over time (stupidly ignored by me until too late!) so definitely asthma not anxiety for the flare up.

Hope someone understands what I'm trying to ask 🤣

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

Stress is a common trigger for asthma... that being said stress DOESN’T trigger everyone, and in some it’s a weird specific type of stress. For example, generally stress doesn’t trigger me, but put me in a situation and attach the word ‘EXAM’ to it and 9x/10 my asthma flares (pre and the come down post).

Here’s the AUK webpage on it;

asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

Hope that helps and that you get control back soon

[Flowergirl78 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you. That was an interesting read. I have worked out that sometimes when I get stressed out I tend to hold my breath. Weird I know and I dont realise I'm doing it until I suddenly take a big breath in, which must be affecting my asthma in some way but have no idea how yet. It's all a learning curve when new things start happening 😬.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Flowergirl78]

That’s a breathing dysfunction (or dysfunctional breathing pattern) which are known to either trigger or result from asthma issues (or both 😅). I hope that helps

[Flowergirl78 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you, didnt know that either, also sometimes wake up at night doing the same thing ( not that I sleep much as cant breath through my nose due to bloody hayfever). Oh the Joy's of an asthmatic lol!!!

[Kaymm48 in reply to Flowergirl78]

Have you tried using sterimar for your hayfever? It saved me as the steroid nasal sprays were not working ? I also started using satin pillow cases and since then I find that my sleep has improved and I certainly don’t sneeze the house down like i used to.

[Skigoddess in reply to Kaymm48]

Anti histamine every day since the pollen raised has helped my asthma since recent flare up - also increased Fostair to 3 puffs instead of 2 twice a day . Using my ventolin inhaler before my daily walk ( and covering nose /mouth with scarf when it’s cold).

Stress definitely makes me feel tighter in the chest - usually when watching the news so I’m only watching once a day (daily update) and doing yoga 3 times a week which has helped .

Hope you feel better soon

X

[Wheezycat in reply to Flowergirl78]

It is far from unusual to breath hold when anxious or stressed. The good thing is that you have noticed. The next step is then to catch it when you do and start breathing again.

[Oldandgray]

For me, stress does trigger asthma symptoms. I have well controlled CVA but if I am feeling stressed then I start a single cough, then several coughs and so it continues. I recognise what’s causing it and that helps to settle me again.

I find it frustrating but interesting. I used to have a very stressful job and was a bit of an adrenaline junky but since retirement haven’t coped with stress at all well.

[Watforddogs]

No question about it - i suffer asthma and anxiety and am a case study!

Actually it is circular - the asthma triggers my anxiety and much more likely the anxiety triggers the asthma

We know that good breathing is essential for the anxiety - that is pure biochemistry and when i am anxious for any reason - i feel it in my chest first and if i don't watch it my first reaction is to panic more - which won't help of course

So - keep you asthma as controlled as you can and just accept that anxiety can affect it

Chris

[rfir6]

it can, as a result doctors and pharmacists should make sure you have one prescribed

[Hidden]

Hi My Asthma can be triggered by stress. I'm having 11 sessions of councelling to help me cope with panic anxiety. So I'm proof that Asthma can be triggered by stress.