A tear-jerking movie, a fight with your partner, the stress of work related deadlines or even a joyous reunion can leave some people with asthma gasping for air. Strong emotions like fear, stress or even laughter can sometimes lead to increased asthma symptoms.
Children can easily be affected by high levels of emotion. From fits of giggles to screaming tantrums; the effects on their asthma can be similar.
How can I stop stress from affecting my asthma?
While it is impossible to eliminate emotional stress from your life, you can learn to reduce the effect and recognise potential symptoms that may need some reliever medication.
- Be aware of the things, events or people that add stress to your life, and work at how you respond to them so you remain calmer
- Acknowledge the feelings you are having – this is a technique that can be effective in reducing their impact
- If you can, remove yourself from stressful situations
- Find constructive and positive ways to reduce your anger, anxiety or fear
- Learn more about your asthma; take an active role in caring for yourself and staying in control
- Exercise. It’s a great way to let off steam, and is good for you as well!
Life can be a roller coaster of emotions so the best thing to do is to be prepared as much as you can, and along with appropriate asthma medication you can take control of your asthma.
So next time you’re going to see that adrenalin pumping movie or have an experience that gets the tears rolling, make sure you’ve got your reliever medication with you … just in case.