& the Respiratory System

What is Stress?

Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. Some stresses get you going and they are good for you - without any stress at all many say our lives would be boring and would probably feel pointless. However, when the stresses undermine both our mental and physical health they are bad.

• Nose• Nasal Cavity• Mouth• Trachea• Lungs• Rib Cage• Diaphragm

Effect of Stress on the Respiratory System

Stress not only takes a toll on the emotional wellbeing of a person, but can be a reason to trigger respiratory problems which can be very harmful.

Asthma is one of the results of prolonged stress, and it’s a tough one to deal with.

What is Asthma?Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring episodes of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.

How does Asthma work?

• The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. People who have asthma have inflamed airways. The inflammation makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. The airways tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances.

• When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This narrows the airways, causing less air to flow into the lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways might make more mucus than usual. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow the airways.

So, how does ‘Stress’ cause Asthma?

• Stress is a common asthma trigger. An asthma trigger is anything that brings on asthma symptoms. 

• Family, financial, or work stress has been shown to worsen asthma and the overall severity of the disease, though the exact mechanism by which this happens isn’t clear

• The physical effects of stress and a gush of emotions can act as asthma triggers. When people cry or get anxious and upset, breathing becomes harder, faster, and shallower. Crying also increases secretions, like mucus, that can make breathing more difficult and make asthma symptoms much worse.

• Stress and anxiety can cause physiological changes that may provoke an attack. These strong emotions trigger the release of chemicals, such as histamine and leukotrienes, which can trigger the narrowing of your airway.

Managing Asthma and Stress

• Identify the biggest causes of stress in your life: financial problems, relationship conflicts, lack of social support, a jam-packed schedule, or too many deadlines. If you can’t find solutions to these problems on your own, seek professional advice.

• Delegate responsibility. Give up being a perfectionist and let others pick up part of the workload.

• Exercise. It’s a great way to burn off the effects of stress.• Get enough sleep. Tired people simply don’t cope with stress as

well.• Learn relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, progressive

muscle relaxation, or clearing of negative thoughts.