If you have allergic asthma, you may notice that your emotions play a part in your symptoms. Depression, anxiety, and stress can all affect the severity of your symptoms.

Even though allergens are the major trigger of allergic asthma symptoms, you may experience more severe asthma symptoms or more frequent asthma attacks if you’re feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious.

Read on for more information about how your emotions can affect allergic asthma.

According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA), strong emotions and stress can affect asthma. The AAFA notes that depression and anxiety are associated with less control of your asthma symptoms.

A 2018 review also indicated that those with an allergic disorder were more likely to experience depression.

A 2022 study found that people with severe asthma and either anxiety or depression had poorer asthma control. Taking steps to manage depression or anxiety may therefore help improve asthma control.

Learn more about asthma and anxiety.

Mood disorders aren’t the only emotional factor that affects allergic asthma. Stress can also affect allergic asthma.

Allergic asthma symptoms happen when you’re exposed to an allergen. You may have a more severe allergic reaction if you’re under stress at the time of exposure.

Taking steps to manage stress may help reduce the severity of a flare-up of symptoms.

Other emotions and emotional responses outside of depression, anxiety, and stress can also affect your allergic asthma.

According to the AAFA, the following emotions or responses can affect your asthma symptoms:

  • fear
  • anger
  • yelling
  • excitement
  • laughter
  • crying

Some of these emotions or emotional responses can cause your breathing to change. You might find yourself breathing faster when you’re emotional or excited.

Taking steps to manage your emotions and emotional responses may help you better manage your allergic asthma if stress, anxiety, or depression contribute to your symptoms.

A 2020 study noted that when people with asthma or COPD apply mindfulness techniques, the psychological response may positively affect symptoms.

The AAFA recommends trying mindful breathing and observation to help reduce stress.

If you want to try mindful breathing:

  1. Slowly breathe in through your nose, then out through your mouth.
  2. Inhale for 7 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, then exhale for 7 seconds.
  3. Try to focus only on your breath and not think about other things.

If you want to try mindfulness through observation:

  1. Focus on watching an object from nature that is near you.
  2. Don’t do anything other than observe whatever it is you picked and try to notice all the details about it.
  3. Continue as long as you need to.

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If your symptoms of allergic asthma are starting to increase or become more frequent, you may want to talk with your doctor about changing your treatment routine.

If you experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, you should talk with your doctor or another mental health professional.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, signs and symptoms of depression can include:

  • loss of appetite
  • feeling hollow or empty
  • trouble sleeping
  • difficulty concentrating or remembering things
  • loss of interest in activities
  • feeling hopeless
  • thoughts of death or suicide
  • persistent feeling of sadness
  • aches and pains that have no other explanation
  • moving or talking slowly
  • feeling restless
  • irritability

Suicide prevention

If suicidal thoughts are surfacing for you or someone you know, you’re not alone. Help is available right now:

You should also contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of generalized anxiety to watch for can include:

There may be a link between emotions and allergic asthma, even though allergens cause the symptoms of allergic asthma. You may notice your allergic asthma symptoms get worse during times of strong emotions, depression, anxiety, or stress.

Mindfulness and mindful breathing may help you manage your emotions, which in turn may help your asthma symptoms.

If your allergic asthma symptoms are worsening or you notice symptoms of depression or anxiety, it’s best to talk with your doctor.