Stress can cause asthma

Nearly 18 to 29 per cent of our population is prey to asthma – a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that can cause shortness of breath and wheezing. While no single cause has been pinpointed for the incidence of asthma, it is thought to be hereditary with a few trigger factors. Although there have been no studies conducted, there is said to be an increase in the incidence of asthma.

“Factors like increase in stress, changing lifestyle habits, dietary patterns and increase in pollution can be blamed for the increase in the incidence of asthma,” says Dr Mohd Samiuddin, consultant pulmonologist at Global Hospitals. He adds that factors like viral fevers, upper respiratory allergies, smoke, indoor pollution like kitchen fumes, incense sticks and aerosol sprays can also be responsible for asthma.

A common question that arises, says Dr Samiuddin, is whether there is any difference between allergies and asthma. “But the two are interlinked. A person with allergies is at a higher risk of getting asthma,” he says. And while asthma can’t be cured, it can be controlled, he says. “The incidence of attacks can be controlled with medication and by avoiding precipitating factors. There are several tablets, injectibles and inhalers available to control asthma. These should be taken under a doctor’s guidance. These medicines are again available in two types – preventors and relievers.”

Breathing exercises and healthy living can help, curb the incidence of asthma, says Dr Samiuddin. “Often people think that inhalers are a last resort. In fact, inhalers are used as first line of treatment. These are safe and can be given for a longer time and have minimal side effects,” he explains.

Another crucial factor is when a pregnant woman has asthma. “It is extremely important for a pregnant woman to try and avoid attacks as hormone changes can play a role here. Inhalers are the best preventors here and are safe. If asthma is not controlled during pregnancy then it could lead to an abortion, low birth weight, pre-term delivery or growth retardation,” he says.

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Tags: Asthama, breathing, chronic inflammatory disease, wheezing

Category: Opinion