The purpose of this literature review is to have a look at the various information available, regarding the relationship between stress and asthma. There is more to stress than a state of mind, it is a physical state of being that can affect the immune system and possibly airflow, and as a result may have an effect on asthma (Vig, Forsythe, and Vliagoftis, 2006). We are in search of the connection between stress and asthmatic symptoms as well as the emotional effects asthma has on the individual.
Stressful life situations and asthma
The relationship begins with the effect that “life” has on our physical bodies and health. It is common knowledge that stress effects cardiac health and it is proven to cause ulcers. The study looked into the possible …show more content…
As the attack progresses the pulse rate and wheezing increases causing chest pains, anxiety and confusion. In extreme cases, they could experience total respiratory failure, even death may occur. It is estimated that 20 % of persons who had survived an extremely severe asthma attack would meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnoses (Chung, Wall, 2013).
Treatment possibilities
We have established that an asthma attack is a frightening situation. The only thing more frightening would be to face this alone. In fact, a recent study revealed a positive effect on the symptoms of asthma by perceived social support and persons with less perceived social support experienced more asthma related symptoms (Smyth, Zawadski, Santuzzi and Filipkowski, 2014).
The answer would be to improve a patient’s perception of their social support as this could be useful in the treatment of chronically ill patients. (Smyth, 2014). In addition, according to a review of self-regulation therapies, biofeedback may be used to help the patient learn to relax facial muscles which can help to alleviate an attack (Lehrer, 1998).
Limitations to Existing
Stressful life situations and asthma
The relationship begins with the effect that “life” has on our physical bodies and health. It is common knowledge that stress effects cardiac health and it is proven to cause ulcers. The study looked into the possible …show more content…
As the attack progresses the pulse rate and wheezing increases causing chest pains, anxiety and confusion. In extreme cases, they could experience total respiratory failure, even death may occur. It is estimated that 20 % of persons who had survived an extremely severe asthma attack would meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnoses (Chung, Wall, 2013).
Treatment possibilities
We have established that an asthma attack is a frightening situation. The only thing more frightening would be to face this alone. In fact, a recent study revealed a positive effect on the symptoms of asthma by perceived social support and persons with less perceived social support experienced more asthma related symptoms (Smyth, Zawadski, Santuzzi and Filipkowski, 2014).
The answer would be to improve a patient’s perception of their social support as this could be useful in the treatment of chronically ill patients. (Smyth, 2014). In addition, according to a review of self-regulation therapies, biofeedback may be used to help the patient learn to relax facial muscles which can help to alleviate an attack (Lehrer, 1998).
Limitations to Existing