WebMDAsthma, Anxiety, and Stress

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The article examines the bidirectional relationship between asthma and psychological factors, specifically anxiety and stress. It details how these conditions can create a cyclical pattern that impacts patient outcomes and quality of life, while providing guidance on management strategies and support systems.

Key Points:

• Stress and anxiety create a reciprocal relationship with asthma symptoms – anxiety worsens asthma symptoms, which in turn increases anxiety levels, establishing a self-perpetuating cycle
• Uncontrolled breathing problems lead to multiple complications: sleep disruption, fatigue, exercise limitations, concentration difficulties, mood changes, and potential depression
• Support systems play a crucial role in asthma management – family members, friends, and co-workers should be educated about emergency protocols and ongoing management strategies
• Smoking cessation is essential for asthma patients – prescription medications show 2-3 times greater efficacy than nicotine gum for smoking cessation
• Professional medical intervention should be sought promptly, even for short-term asthma symptoms, to prevent condition deterioration

In a study that investigated asthma patients in Portugal and Spain, at least 1/3 of the patients with persistent asthma experience symptoms of anxiety/depression, showing the relevance of screening these disorders in patients with asthma.

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