How Stress May Affect Your Asthma
8/16/2012 11:47:08 AM
Stress is your body's alarm system. It's a set of signals telling you to react to any kind of demand that disrupts life as usual. The reaction is rooted in the human species' flight-or-fight response that protected our cave-dwelling ancestors from danger. Most of today's stressors are not dangerous. Yet traffic jams, deadlines and family quarrels still fire up the nervous system. Everyday demands can elevate heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Emotional stress may also trigger an asthma attack in up to 35 percent of asthmatics.
Photo courtesy of GeeHock
What's the stress and wheezing connection?
Stress does not cause asthma, but the body's response to stressors can be one of many triggers for asthma attacks in some people. When stressed, you breathe faster and may take more shallow breaths. This can make asthma symptoms worse. Chronic stress can also:
-Lower immunity and make you susceptible to colds, which can trigger asthma
-Lead you to forget to take your asthma medications or check your peak flow
Practice mind over matter
PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Massive Tornado Devastates Oklahoma Town
Preliminary reports are calling it an EF-4 tornado that has caused numerous fatalities and injuries in Moore, Okla.
Read Story >
Local Radar: Tracking the Severe Storm Outbreak
Following deadly storms across the southern Plains on Monday, severe weather will continue across portions of the southern Plains, Midwest and South.
Read Story >
AccuWeather.com
Custom Search
