New research reveals that anxiety can aggravate asthma. Anxiety is characterized as having a fear of fear. Managing asthma can be much more difficult for those who also have anxiety, according to the recent study. The research comes from the University of Cincinnati.
The researchers studied 101 college undergrads who had asthma. The study mimicked an asthma attack by having participants breathe in and out through a narrow straw. Those who reported anxiety sensitivity also reported greater anxiety while breathing through the straw and experienced greater asthma symptoms, along with decreased lung function.
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Lead researcher, Alison McLeish, Ph.D., said, “Anxiety sensitivity not only helps explain why we see higher rates of anxiety disorders, but also why anxiety is associated with poorer asthma outcomes.”
The study suggests that to improve the management of asthma, interventions for anxiety should take place.
The findings were presented at the ABCT Convention on November 14, 2015
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
