As we start to segue into spring, many people prepare for a few weeks or even months of misery brought on by seasonal asthma and allergies. Unfortunately, the stress associated with this time of year and the rise in pollen and other allergens, can actually induce asthma attacks and make things more difficult. So let’s explore the connections and options for addressing the disorder known as asthma.
Asthma is defined as a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, caused by inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the airways. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and rapid breathing. In the U.S., nearly 28 million people suffer with this disease. The typical treatment for asthma includes the use of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, which may help, but don’t treat the root cause of the issue.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy also concluded that people who are prone to anxiety and stress, actually are at three times the risk of developing asthma. Stress is a mental and physical response to adversity. It happens when someone feels a sense of pressure, threat or that they cannot cope.
Stress may contribute to asthma symptoms in several ways:
1. Faster Breathing – The body interprets stress as a sign of danger, which then activates the sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that responds to emergencies. When this occurs, the body prepares to fight or flee, as though someone is in physical danger. This causes faster breathing, muscle tension and other changes. This helps people survive dangerous situations, but it can also make someone feel as though it is difficult to breathe, triggering asthma symptoms. However, the reverse is also true. Relaxation and breathing exercises can help manage stress and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body down, which may improve asthma symptoms.
2. Inflammation – Stress can lead to inflammation. Studies show that stress increases cytokine and eosinophil levels. Cytokines are chemicals involved in airway inflammation, while eosinophils are white blood cells also associated with inflammation. Both could potentially increase the symptoms and severity of asthma.
3. Impaired Medication Response – Another recent study showed that when a person is stressed, their response to prescribed medications may be lessened. This means that the medications may not be effective and larger doses may be needed.
Stress and anxiety are things that almost everyone experiences. But for someone who has already been diagnosed asthma, these conditions can make life almost unbearable. The good news is that there are options available that can help with both stress and asthma. Acupuncture is one of those options.
Regular acupuncture treatments have been shown to keep cortisol levels low, while boosting the immune system. Acupuncture works by stimulating acupuncture points to modulate immune function, regulate airway muscle tone and reduce inflammation within the lungs. It can help improve airflow, alleviate bronchial constriction and enhance overall respiratory function in individuals with asthma. Additionally, acupuncture can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, decreasing the need for rescue inhalers and improve the overall well being. When the anxiety surrounding possible asthma attacks is decreased, so too are the elevated cortisol levels that create more stress and anxiety.
If asthma and stress are issues that plague you, consider adding acupuncture as an adjunct therapy. Acupuncture is a safe, natural and potentially beneficial therapy for managing asthma, providing a holistic approach to symptom management and improving respiratory and mental health. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of asthma, acupuncture can play a valuable role in enhancing asthma control and improving quality of life for individuals living with this chronic condition.