Monday, November 22, 2010

Asthma And Panic Attacks

Asthma and panic attacks often go hand in hand. Studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between the two and people having asthma are often more prone to panic attacks. The finding is significant in the sense that it could pave new ways for asthma treatment. According to these studies, a person with asthma is 4.5 times more likely to have panic attacks than those who do not have the disease. Vice versa, people who suffer panic attacks are more likely to develop asthma in course of time.

The problem here is that it is often difficult to distinguish between asthma and panic attacks. Panic attacks are not life-threatening, but asthma is. So, if a person has both, he or she should be extremely careful. It has been observed that an asthma attack can cause such anxiety that it may easily cause a panic attack, making the asthma attack even worse and forming a terrible cycle. In both asthma and panic attacks, the victim finds breathing difficult and loses the ability to think and remain calm.

It is, therefore, sensible to be careful if one is aware of what triggers his/her asthma. It is undoubtedly a difficult task, but a little preparedness may reduce of one's troubles. Smokers and those have a family history of allergies are prone to both asthma and panic attacks. So, giving up or reducing smoking can help the person.

Following the findings of such studies, doctors are now taking a look at asthma and panic attacks as a combined health issue and trying to devise a simultaneous treatment for both conditions. This is even more significant as panic attack sufferers are actually developing asthma. This is alarming because people prone to panic attacks are becoming more susceptible to asthma.

There is another school of thought among doctors that this relationship between the two in reality could be a misdiagnosis and some of the symptoms could lead to confusion. For example, hyperventilation is common in both asthma and panic attacks. If doctors fail to know that their patient is suffering from chronic panic attacks, they may wrongly diagnose the case as asthma when that is not true. .

So, it is wise for anyone having either asthma or panic attacks to consult with their doctors to ensure that the original diagnosis is correct and that they are getting the appropriate treatment for their condition. Setting aside the consideration of misdiagnosis, it is better to have some treatment for both these problems at the same time. As drugs are used for both these conditions, they might lead to some side effects causing fresh concern. In such cases, alternative methods may be needed for treating both asthma and panic attacks.

Alternative methods, such as the use of natural remedies and therapies are sometimes very effective in the treatment of asthma and panic attacks. The use of these methods eliminates the chances of any harmful side effects. But alternative methods may not be suitable for everyone who has both asthma and panic attacks. It is advised not to self-medicate because that could be risky. It is wise to consult a specialist in that field before you decide what should be done.

No comments:

Post a Comment