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 relation between stressful life situations and the diagnosis of asthma. The questions given regarding stressful life events ranged from severe disease, death in the family to conflicts in close relationships (Kilpalainen, Koskenvuo, Helenius and Terho, 2002). Overall, the study revealed a relationship between stressful situations and asthma. Physical responses as well as changes in the immune system have negative effects on health during a stressful situation (Kilpalainen, 2002). There also appears to be a connection between asthma symptoms and panic disorder. Participants were presented with a series of increasingly stressful situations in a laboratory setting. The study revealed a definite increase in symptoms and it seems the airways of those affected are in a chronic state of preparedness. This can lead to hyperventilation (Carr, Lehrer, Hochron and Jackson, 1996). Stress and adult onset asthma Asthma is often diagnosed in childhood but the cause is unclear because there are numerous triggers. They include allergies, exercise or over exertion and stressful situations. In addition to childhood asthma there is also adult onset asthma which is becoming more prevalent. One of the main differences between childhood and adult onset asthma is the age of the lungs. This is a cause for concern because of the rapid decline in health that can occur. Many cases of adult onset asthma go undiagnosed and therefore untreated. These cases often begin as a cough and spirals out of control. It is well known that stress increases the symptoms of asthma, however a ten year longitudinal study designed to address how stressful life events are associated with the occurrence of …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 relation between stressful life situations and the diagnosis of asthma. The questions given regarding stressful life events ranged from severe disease, death in the family to conflicts in close relationships (Kilpalainen, Koskenvuo, Helenius and Terho, 2002). Overall, the study revealed a relationship between stressful situations and asthma. Physical responses as well as changes in the immune system have negative effects on health during a stressful situation (Kilpalainen, 2002). There also appears to be a connection between asthma symptoms and panic disorder. Participants were presented with a series of increasingly stressful situations in a laboratory setting. The study revealed a definite increase in symptoms and it seems the airways of those affected are in a chronic state of preparedness. This can lead to hyperventilation (Carr, Lehrer, Hochron and Jackson, 1996). Stress and adult onset asthma Asthma is often diagnosed in childhood but the cause is unclear because there are numerous triggers. They include allergies, exercise or over exertion and stressful situations. In addition to childhood asthma there is also adult onset asthma which is becoming more prevalent. One of the main differences between childhood and adult onset asthma is the age of the lungs. This is a cause for concern because of the rapid decline in health that can occur. Many cases of adult onset asthma go undiagnosed and therefore untreated. These cases often begin as a cough and spirals out of control. It is well known that stress increases the symptoms of asthma, however a ten year longitudinal study designed to address how stressful life events are associated with the occurrence of …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