Why doctors are seeing asthma triggered by stress and lifestyle changes

The increasing number of doctors witnessing asthma no longer being triggered by traditional factors (dust, pollution, seasonal changes & infections) – instead, modern lifestyle patterns (chronic stress) seem to have a greater impact on the worsening of asthma symptoms and frequency of attacks. Emotional stress activates the body's inflammatory & hormone response systems, which causes the airways to become more sensitive/reactive. For those already predisposed to asthma, anxiety, lack of sleep, work pressures, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking/vaping, and exposure to indoor air pollutants may all contribute to a worsening of respiratory symptoms.

The role that urban living plays is also important. Increased exposure to air pollution, vehicle exhaust fumes, processed food consumption, lack of exercise and obesity are all related to poor lung function. Many of these patients now experience flare-ups of their asthma due to periods of time when they're emotionally stressed, deprived of sleep or for prolonged heavy screen use sedentary periods.

Pregnant women with asthma need additional care. If a pregnant woman has poorly managed asthma, both she and her unborn child are at risk for health problems. For example, a pregnant woman having an asthma attack may have an insufficient oxygen supply to her baby due to reduced blood flow, and as a result, her unborn child may not receive enough nutrition and/or oxygen. This low level of nutrition and oxygen may affect the mother's stability and lead to pregnancy-related complications (e.g., gestational hypertension), preterm delivery, babies with lower birth weight, or babies with restricted growth.

Women often stop taking or avoid taking their asthma medication out of fear of harming their unborn child; however, stopping or avoiding the use of prescribed asthma medication may actually put the woman and her baby at greater risk for complications. However, with careful monitoring by their healthcare provider, research suggests that most women with asthma can have a healthy and safe pregnancy. It is also essential to regularly monitor the mother's asthma; avoid environmental triggers; manage stress; sleep well; and take prescribed asthma medications according to the healthcare provider's instructions during pregnancy to prevent low oxygen levels in both the mother and her unborn child.

Lifestyle, environment, and emotional health can all have a cumulative detrimental effect on lung function. Therefore, to effectively manage asthma, the patient must take a holistic approach. That is, when caring for an individual with asthma, all three components of holistic health should be addressed in addition to medication.

Dr Raja Dhar, HOD - Pulmonology - CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI