Asthma seems to be as prevalent as it ever was and so are stressed out teens. It was only a matter of time before someone made the connection and that time has come.
A new study by the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit followed the stress and anxiety levels in 38 asthma patients that ranged in age from 14-17. Their stress and anxiety levels were significantly higher than the general population.
Interestingly enough, the asthma symptoms and specific triggers broke down into two categories.
In general, the asthma study found that when the kids woke at night with asthma symptoms, it was usually due to anxiety. Shortness of breath during activity were more likely due to stress.
However, just like most studies, it is not the last word in asthma research.
Cathryn Luria, MD and the study’s lead author, said, “While we found a link between asthma symptoms and stress and anxiety, it’s not clear which came first – the symptoms or the stress and anxiety. More study is needed to determine that.”
She added, “Because these patients may be particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety, this information can be helpful to physicians as they counsel their patients about the importance of managing their asthma.”
In similar news, a new asthma treatment is making waves in the world of allegery sufferers. The treatment, called bronchial thermoplasty, is the first effective non-drug treatment for asthma.
One successful case involved Jenny McLeland, 33, of St. Louis. McLeland had severe asthma that was seriously affecting her life.
She tried everything up to the maximum dose on many medications. Since having bronchial thermoplasty, she hasn’t had a single asthma attack.
The treatment is only for those who have tried medication and it hasn’t helped. And those who can afford $15,000 to $20,000 depending for the procedure. Oh, and most insurance companies won’t pay for it.
Would it be worth it to you to be able to change the way asthma affects your life?