Asthma symptoms linked to stress, anxiety in teenagers

Common asthma symptoms are associated with increased levels of stress and anxiety in teens, a study has found.

A study by Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit city of Michigan state in the US has found in a small study of 38 asthma patients aged 14-17, that their average scores for stress and anxiety levels were higher than those seen in the general population.

"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," Cathryn Luria, MD and the study's lead author said.

Researchers suggest the findings are a red flag for physicians of young asthma patients.

"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," Luria added.

The study, which was presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's annual meeting, found that waking up with symptoms and waking up in the middle of the night were asthma symptoms linked to increased anxiety levels.

In addition with waking up with symptoms and waking up in the middle of the night, activity limitations and shortness of breath were asthma symptoms linked to increased stress levels.