Stress

Can stress lead to a chest infection?

[suzyflip]

I don't think stress on its' own will give you infections - however because you are stressed it effects everything else and yes then you can get infections. When I am stressed/tired I break out in herpes and ulcers in my mouth etc. Not nice - had a massive absess under a tooth when my daughter got married. Thank goodness I only have one daughter!

[Hidden]

I think it might depend on the degree of stress and the severity of your lung disease. I would also say 'exacerbation' rather than 'infection'. A very dear friend of mine, with very low fev1, ended up in intensive care through being extremely stressed when someone seriously hurt and upset him. Thankfully, against the odds and being the fighter that he is, he made his way through - but I can tell you I will never again underestimate the havoc that real stress can cause for someone who's health is already seriously compromised.

[jackie50]

`Stress adds to what is already a low immune system, when I get stressed i cause all my ailments to go into hyper drive, then all I can do is lay in bed for a few days, and achieve nothing of what I was stressed about.

The times my doctor keeps telling me off for getting stressed.

[Hidden]

Thanks for your answers. I have severe copd and have been extremely stressed for the past couple of weeks. Its making sense now. Its all right for others to tell us not to get stressed but how do you not when its an important issue ??? thanks again xx