What Is Stress Asthma?

Asthma is a disease characterized by narrowing of the airway. This is caused by the airway becoming inflamed and filled with mucus. Stress can induce asthma.

Identification

• Stress asthma can be considered asthma attacks brought on by stress. It could also be said that someone is experiencing stress asthma when they feel the symptoms worsen when in a stressful situation. These symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest pain.

Considerations

• It is not possible for asthmatic patients to avoid stress completely. Life is often stressful, and the best thing that asthmatic patients can do to avoid stress is to learn how to manage stress in positive ways.

Managing Stress

• For asthmatic patients to manage stress, they should first identify the situations that stress them out. If these problems are too much for a patient to handle, he should seek professional help. Effective time management, pacing yourself and taking your time are all key elements of handling stress.

Relaxing Exercise

• Exercise that leaves the patient feeling relaxed can often help him avoid stress asthma. Deep breathing, releasing muscle tension and clearing negative thoughts are all effective relaxation exercises.

Expert Insight

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can also help asthmatic patients manage stress. Support from friends and family is also essential.