Asthma And Stress

Can Stress Cause
An Asthma Attack?

Yes, stress can cause an asthma attack.

Yes. Let’s be direct.

Stress, like many other conditions, is just one of many factors that can start an asthma attack. There are others, but stress is certainly one of them.

As a matter of fact stress is one of the most common situations that cause an asthma attack.

A person who suffers from asthma has a much bigger chance of having an attack after a hard day of stressful work

It’s important for you to realize on time when you are feeling stressed.

Both stress and the asthma attack symptoms can be controlled if detected in time.

Asthma Attack Symptoms

You should know the symptoms of an asthma attack.

The symptoms of an attack can show up in a number of ways such as:

  • Uncontrollable cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tightness in the chest, etc.

Severe asthma attack symptoms:

  • The medication doesn't relieve the initial symptoms
  • Fingernails turn blue or gray
  • Trouble walking or talking
  • Extreme difficulty in breathing
  • Nostrils flare when breathing
  • Neck, chest and ribs get pulled in with each breath
  • Peak flow keeps dropping after treatment

How To Use An Inhaler

If you have asthma you should know how to use an inhaler.

There are drugs that can ease the asthma attack symptoms. The most popular drugs and are administered through inhalers since this is the quickest, most effective way to administer these drugs.

Basic steps to use an inhaler:

  1. Shake the canister well.
  2. Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
  3. Tilt your head and breathe out.
  4. Put the inhaler one or two inches away from your mouth.
  5. When using a spacer put the end of your mouth and seal your lips around it - a spacer is a tube that attaches to the inhaler. It helps a great deal to inhale.
  6. Press down on the inhaler to release the medications - slowly breathing in for 3-5 seconds at a time.
  7. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds to give time for the medicine to get to your lungs.
  8. Repeat the above cycle as many times as your doctor suggests, waiting at least 1 minute time between cycles.

The bad side of inhalers is that like all drugs they tend to create a dependency. It is very easy to use them at any sign of discomfort. It is recommended to use them only when you really need to. You should also have a good health insurance plan.

You can use your inhaler when facing stressful situations, when there is a sudden change in the environment or when you feel that you may have been exposed to anything that might lead to an allergy event.

Read more at: Asthma cough