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Does Stress Exacerbate Airway Inflammation?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Jun 2016
Question: So I have been learning a number of things from Dr Bhavsar lately. His digging with little questions has uncovered a plausible scenario.
First my airways are inflamed. Possibly started from irritants such as animal dander and other allergens that I may have an allergy to. Second stress from many many many factors. The stress is making the inflammation worse. He uncovered that I was without symptoms back when I was up north. And. When I was around my ex and family. He suggested that I quickly divorce and move back up there and it will be a good start to recovery.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Private Consultation

Detailed Answer:
I have to agree that the sooner you return to your support system, the better. You have family that you love and who care about you back in SF SD. And of course all your instruments in that amazing room with the napping couch! I know that you're waiting on a job offer before returning, and this makes sense. That's a lot of stress in itself. But when the offer comes in, I would finalize the divorce as quickly as possible and get back to the environment in which you are most comfortable. This will lower your stress a lot. Not totally, but a lot.

Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 minutes later)
Yes, and I will respond in a few hours, am tied up at my desk but i will pass info along.
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Private Followup

Detailed Answer:
No problem, take all the time you need!

Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 minutes later)
Oh, btw, you know what butterfly lifts are in weightlifting. Well I did just a couple the other day to see if I could loosen up the tight chest feeling. Just a few was pushing it, I need to keep it up but slowly. My chest is tighter and feels like if I wanted to expand chest breath, it would not happen.

I suppose that the stressed tension along with new muscle activity tightened things upl
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Private Followup

Detailed Answer:
Remember that the chest tightness feeling comes from anxiety rather than from the muscles themselves. Exercise is a good thing, so don't stop, but just be aware the muscles themselves do not need to be loosened.

Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (51 minutes later)
True but as i was flexing back bringing back shoulder blades closer, ribs were being pulled and pushed
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (27 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Private Followup

Detailed Answer:
It can help you let off steam for sure, and hey, whatever works to make you feel better, I'm all for it. Just don't overdo it, an injury to the chest wall muscles wouldn't help!

One more reply in this thread, then on to the next one.

Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 days later)
Well last of this thread. Dr Bhavsar and I have been doing xtra chatting so I'm sorry that I haven't gotten back to you.
My chest was overdone with lifting. Still a bit sore but nothing bad. Stress levels have been up and down lately. Nothing but telling self reassurances and calming to keep them down
They have been erratic because of the trials to lower the inflammation in the lungs. The good and bad outcomes make it bounce around.
1. We means Bhavsar and myself, have looked at both the home I'm in and the relationship I'm in as a detriment to my stress and that leads to problems with airway inflammation. The household has pets with dander and odors and musty smells are worsening the inflammation The relationship has me on edge making me tense and uncomfortable.

We have been using corticosteroid inhalers to reduce swelling and inflammation. Has some effect I have had a couple good breathing days and then i get a few less as it wears down. We are trying to get it down enough that when I can breathe comfortably, then I will have less stress and then I can relax it down too
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Private Followup

Detailed Answer:
No problem! Good to hear from you as always.

It's good that your self-reassurance and self-calming are working to keep things in check. Have you made a notecard with us doctors' comments about your positive health to keep with you yet? I think this was a really good idea on your part.

I have no doubt your relationship is causing you stress. I think in the next thread it would be helpful to talk about this relationship and the specific discomforts it is currently causing you. By talking about it we can identify problem areas and discuss ways to manage this stress until you are back in SF SD and beyond.

Be advised that corticosteroids do not work right away -- their effects on the lungs can take weeks to work, if they will help at all in your case, as your diagnosis of exceedingly mild asthma is in doubt. In the meantime, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy and stress reduction will probably be of more use to you.

Go ahead and rate/close and open up a new thread when you're ready!

Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (33 minutes later)
The note cards are actually a small notebook. I need to stay on top of it.

Yes, I know it will take time for corticosteroids to take effect.

Actually, I am working from the viewpoint of Bhavsars statement that my airways are inflamed from numerous factors and aggrevated by stress making in worse. He says that the FEF 25/75 small airways obstruction is caused by stress and other factors such as airway irritants.


doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Private Followup

Detailed Answer:
I hear you. Stress can certainly negatively affect airways. I don't think your FEV shows real evidence of any obstruction, but it is borderline and open to interpretation. Could be very very mild asthma. Pursuing continuing stress reduction therapy will be of benefit regardless!

Go ahead and rate/close and open up a new thread when you're ready!

Dr. Sheppe
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

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Does Stress Exacerbate Airway Inflammation?

Brief Answer: Private Consultation Detailed Answer: I have to agree that the sooner you return to your support system, the better. You have family that you love and who care about you back in SF SD. And of course all your instruments in that amazing room with the napping couch! I know that you're waiting on a job offer before returning, and this makes sense. That's a lot of stress in itself. But when the offer comes in, I would finalize the divorce as quickly as possible and get back to the environment in which you are most comfortable. This will lower your stress a lot. Not totally, but a lot. Dr. Sheppe