Strong emotions triggering an asthma attack?
Like many of you, I watched the news of the attacks in Paris with my heart in my throat.
Previously, Hubby and I had spent our 25th anniversary in Paris. We LOVE Paris, it is such a beautiful place!
And then we watched the news reports. My emotions were a mess - first shock and horror, then love for the people of Paris who offered help to the innocent people caught in the cross fire.
The hashtag #portouverte (or #opendoor) was trending on Twitter.
The people of Paris were opening their doors to scared and injured tourists. They fed and clothed the tourists and provided a place for them to sleep and feel safe.
Did you know that strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack?
According to Mayo Clinic, the following can cause (or trigger) an asthma attack:
- Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust mites
- Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
- Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
- Cold air
- Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
- Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
- Strong emotions and stress
- Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat
So, what do you do if you are faced with any of these asthma triggers, including stress and strong emotions?
Allergy & Asthma Network shared an article last week on their Facebook page. The article is from American Academy of Pediatrics and is called "Talking to Children About Disasters."
The article has ideas to talk with young children and older children. And ways that parents can help kids cope with disasters. I'm going to use some of the ideas to talk to my kids.
Until then, I will look through my pictures of Paris and remember the beautiful architecture, fabulous food and loving people of Paris.
I wasn't in Paris, but when I heard about this tragedy, I had in my memory the day of 11th September 2001. The same fear and emotions.
ReplyDeleteYes, and that's exactly what the terrorists want - to ruin our way of life by causing fear.
DeleteI still think the world is a beautiful place and that there are more good people in the world than evil!
I remember the week my parents told me they were getting divorced, I had used my inhaler 8x in one week. It makes no sense why there is so much hatred in the world. I am currently taking the rest of this semester off, my health has gone south. Hopefully I will be able to return in spring. I have improved tremendously since coming home though. I got a g-tube and my lungs have gotten better with the weight gain (I was/still am underweight). Lol y'all without cf with asthma who suffer from steroid weight gain and me a cfer with malabsorbtion should trade around our weight so we both balance out ;)
ReplyDeleteOh wow! That sucks. Sorry that was such a bad experience for you :(
DeleteI'm so happy to hear that you are getting better now. I guess school will always be there, right?!
Congrats on the weight gain (it seems so weird to be typing that......)
Yes, too bad there isn't a way we can balance out our weight. I would be happy to donate 20 pounds to you!! :)
My son gets wheezy when he laughs really hard. Sometimes I have to tell him to stop laughing!
ReplyDeleteI have had that happen too - many times! I just can't help it, some things are just too funny!
DeleteI just have my inhaler handy and remember to belly breathe and that helps dramatically!
Glad you little guy loves to laugh - sounds like he is really going to enjoy life! :)