Asthma and Stress Correlation
- Ronald L. Brown, M.D.
Question
I have had asthma since childhood. As an adult, I find that when I'm really stressed or anxious, my asthma gets worse. Is there a correlation? Also how can I tell the difference between an asthma attack and an anxiety attack?
Answer
Stress and anxiety can either trigger asthma or mimic it.
With asthma, there would tend to be some wheezing, cough or chest tightness. Also, asthma would respond to Albuterol but anxiety would not.
If it is asthma, there are a lot of controller medications that can help keep it under control. There are also several medical and behavioral options for treating anxiety/stress that your primary provider could help you with.
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