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A Guide to Asthma and Anxiety
This is the UK Meds guide to asthma and anxiety. In this article, we will explore both asthma and anxiety, taking a look at their characteristics and the possible connections between the two. We will provide a clear insight into how both of the conditions could influence each other. If you have ever experienced anxiety due to asthma and asthma medications, this article will provide you with answers as to why this may occur.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a common lung condition that leads to intermittent breathing difficulties. It can affect individuals of any age, yet the typical onset is typically noticed during childhood. According to the NHS, there is currently no permanent cure for asthma, however, treatments have reached a level that can effectively manage symptoms meaning patients can live a relatively undisturbed life, particularly if their condition is on the milder side.
What is an asthma attack?
An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, during which the tubes narrow further, making it challenging to breathe. This constriction can lead to audible wheezing and a sensation of tightness or rattling in the chest. The severity of an asthma attack can vary, with symptoms persisting for several minutes to hours or, in more severe cases, extending over days (Cherney & Meth, 2023). During an asthma attack, the increased constriction of the bronchial tubes limits airflow, making it crucial to address the situation promptly and seek appropriate medical attention.
What to do during an asthma attack?
During an asthma attack, there are some steps that you may need to follow in order to remain safe and to negate the symptoms as quickly as possible. Here are some steps provided by Asthma + Lung UK that you can follow in the event of an asthma attack:
Sit up straight and remain calm.
Use your reliever inhaler, which is usually blue. Common reliever inhalers include Ventolin and Salamol.
Assess your condition. If you feel worse at any point after using an inhaler, it’s important to see medical assistance.
If necessary, call 999 for an ambulance. You should communicate that you are having an asthma attack. If you are unable to, someone will be able to do so on your behalf if you are with them.
Repeat your inhaler use. Depending on the inhaler, you should take the recommended dose for asthma attacks.
Contact 999 again if you need to. If your ambulance has not arrived you can contact 999 for further advice.
Video: What to Do During an Asthma Attack
Asthma + Lung UK have put together a helpful video to explain what to do during an asthma attack:
What is anxiety?
According to the NHS, anxiety is the experience of unease, ranging from mild to severe, characterised by feelings of worry or fear. It's a common emotion that everyone encounters at some point in their lives. Situations such as taking an exam, undergoing a medical test, or attending a job interview can naturally evoke anxiety. In these circumstances, feeling anxious is considered a normal response. However, for some individuals, managing these worries can be challenging. Their anxiety may persist more consistently, impacting their daily lives. When anxiety becomes a constant presence, it may require attention and support to regain control and enhance overall well-being.
In terms of anxiety and asthma, some people may experience anxiety because of their asthma. This can occur due to fears of an upcoming asthma attack, or due to concerns about not having the medication they need. The latter of these concerns can be fixed by purchasing your medication on a subscription basis from UK Meds. Knowing what medication you are getting and when you are getting it can help to alleviate asthma-based anxiety. We have a number of different asthma inhalers available on a subscription basis including popular choices such as Ventolin, Clenil Modulite, Fostair and more.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is an intense episode of anxiety that occurs suddenly. During a panic attack, you may experience sensations such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, which can resemble symptoms of an asthma attack. However, unlike the coughing and wheezing associated with asthma, panic attacks can bring about additional symptoms, including (Cherney & Meth, 2023):
Hyperventilation (taking short, rapid breaths)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
The sensation of something smothering you
Faintness
Tingling in the hands and face
Nausea
Sweating or chills
Increased heart rate
Feelings of detachment from yourself and your surroundings
Sense of losing control
Fears of dying
How can you manage a panic attack?
Managing a panic attack can involve strategies to implement both during and after the attack. The mental health charity Mind provides great advice for both of these situations. Their advice is as follows.
During an attack:
Focus on your breathing. Concentrate on slow, rhythmic breathing. Inhale and exhale slowly, counting to five.
Stamp on the spot. Some people will find rhythmic movement, like stamping on the spot, can help to redirect focus and control breathing.
Engage the senses. Try and shift the attention to your senses. Eat sweets, chew gum, or touch and hug something soft to divert attention to other senses.
Practice grounding techniques. Techniques for grounding yourself can be found on the Mind website.
After an attack:
Practice self-care. Pay attention to your body’s needs after a panic attack. Sit in a quiet space and eat or drink something if you need to.
Speak to someone you trust. Let someone you trust know about your panic attack. Let them know how they might be able to spot a future panic attack.
How are asthma attacks and panic attacks different?
Asthma attacks and panic attacks share some common symptoms, which can make distinguishing between the two challenging. However, there are key differences. Here is a handy table we’ve put together to help you distinguish between the two.
Factor | Panic Attacks | Asthma Attacks |
| Triggers |
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| Physical Symptoms |
|
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| Psychological Symptoms |
|
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| Effects on Breathing |
|
|
How many people in the UK experience anxiety?
In the UK, approximately three million people experience anxiety, according to GlaxoSmithKline. They also state that in one week, one in six people worldwide will encounter a problem with their mental health, such as anxiety. If the world's population is estimated to be 7.8 billion, that means that 1.3 billion people will suffer an issue with mental health in one week.
Can anxiety and stress make asthma worse?
Yes, GlaxoSmithKline also states that people with asthma may notice that stress and anxiety can make their symptoms worse. When a person is under stress or experiencing heightened anxiety, it can lead to changes in breathing patterns, such as shallow and rapid breathing. This altered breathing pattern can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, making it harder for individuals with asthma to breathe. Stress and anxiety may also prompt the release of certain chemicals in the body that can further contribute to inflammation and bronchoconstriction, which are key components of asthma.
How could stress trigger asthma?
The relationship between asthma and stress is intricate. Stress can act as a trigger, exacerbating asthma symptoms through changes in breathing patterns, the release of stress hormones that contribute to inflammation, potential impacts on the immune system, and the promotion of unhealthy coping behaviours (DerSarkissian, 2022). According to Asthma + Lung UK, asthma and stress can cause issues such as poor medication adherence, heightened sensitivity to triggers, and an increased risk of poor habits developing due to stress like smoking.
As well as this, people may also find elevated levels of stress because of their asthma. People may feel extreme stress due to concerns over asthma attacks, or people may struggle with stress when they are running low on the medication they need. This stress can be alleviated by purchasing your asthma inhalers, such as Ventolin and Fostair, on a subscription basis. Knowing you will never run out of your medication can help to combat stress caused by asthma.
What are the symptoms of anxiety asthma?
The symptoms of anxiety-induced asthma are similar to those that typically occur during an asthma attack, according to Coastal Allergy & Asthma. These symptoms include:
Wheezing
Chest Tightness
Shortness of Breath
Coughing
Rapid Breathing
How can you lower the risk of stress affecting asthma?
There are ways that you can lower the risk of stress affecting your asthma. Asthma and Lung UK provide people with the following advice for doing just that:
Stick to your routine. Take your medications as directed, use your inhaler correctly and maintain an asthma action plan.
Consult with your doctor or asthma nurse. They will be able to provide you with support and advice specific to your condition. They can also refer you to additional support services and counselling.
Try to reduce stress in your life. Explore strategies such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and nurture social interactions.
Which medications are available for asthma?
At UK Meds, we have a number of different asthma medications available for purchase online. We have a number of popular inhalers that you can purchase, including Ventolin, Salamol, Clenlil Modulite, Fostair, and more. You can also purchase the asthma inhalers that you need on a subscription basis from UK Meds. Getting your medication on a subscription means that you will always have the inhaler that you need, when you need it.
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