Stress linked to worsening asthma symptoms
23 February 2007

Emotionally stressful experiences, such as the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship, may lead to a worsening in people’s asthma, according to an American study.

In a study of 189 adults with asthma, researchers found that those who had experienced a larger than average number of negative events in the previous years tended to experience worsening asthma symptoms, poorer emotional well-being and more worries over their health. The relationship was particularly strong among people with asthma who were on lower incomes.

Researchers used standard questionnaires to measure major negative events in participants' lives and compared this with their asthma-related quality of life. They also measured their lung function and levels of exposure to tobacco smoke.

Overall, asthma symptoms were found to have worsened as the number of recent stressful experiences increased.

Jenny Versnel, Asthma UK’s Executive Director of Research and Policy, said: ‘Any extreme of emotion, be it bereavement or even a fit of laughter, can be a trigger for some people with asthma. Monitoring your condition and taking your medication regularly should help to minimise symptoms.

‘Anyone who feels they are going through a difficult time and needs more support should talk to their GP or asthma nurse.’