Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : July 23, 2014 6:49 PM IST
Are you an asthmatic and constantly worried about scents and fragrances in the surrounding air? This thought alone can actually harm you more than you can think of. A new research reveals that simply believing that an odour is potentially harmful can increase airway inflammation in asthmatics for at least 24 hours following exposure.
'Asthmatics often are anxious about scents and fragrances. When we expect that an odour is harmful, our bodies react as if that odour is indeed harmful,' said Cristina Jaen, a physiologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. In the study, 17 moderate asthmatics were exposed to the odour of phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) for 15 minutes. (Read: 8 steps to manage asthma in children better (Gallery))
Often described as rose-smelling, PEA is regarded as a 'pure' odourant with no associated physiological irritant qualities. Eight participants were told that the odour had potential therapeutic properties, while nine were told that it potentially could cause mild respiratory problems. Individuals who were told that the odour was potentially harmful rated it as more irritating and annoying as compared to those who thought it might be therapeutic. (Read: Top 8 yoga asanas to beat asthma)
In addition, airway inflammation increased immediately following odour exposure in subjects who believed the odour might be harmful and remained elevated 24 hours later. The findings suggest that some fragrance effects on asthma symptoms may be related to the expectation of harm as opposed to chemical properties of the odour. 'It is not just what you smell, but also what you think you smell,' Jaen noted in a paper published online in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research. (Read: 10 asthma triggers you should avoid)
Here are some complications of asthma
Low blood oxygen A wide range of serious clinical complications are found to be associated with asthma that primarily includes low supply of blood to lungs resulting in comparatively very low blood oxygen level and very high carbon dioxide levels. And, if the O2 levels dangerously fall below critical limit than the patients have to be shifted on ventilators to avert any casualty.
Poor quality of life Since asthma is a respiratory complication, it is found that people suffering from it lead an inactive and low life. It affects the ability to exercise; restricting oneself to light physical activities and to stay away from any recreational activities. Also, people are found to underperform due to psychological pressure resulting from anxiety, stress and depression. Fatigue and days away from school & work are also quite commonly observed in asthmatics.
Respiratory issues Lung infection causing pneumonia, collapse of lungs or a part of it and respiratory failure are the severe clinical complications that are reported in addition to wide range of other respiratory problems. Acute respiratory failure in which the bronchial tubes of person suffering from asthma are completely blocked calling for an emergency. Read more about Complications of asthma
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
You may also like to read:
For more articles on asthma, check out our asthma section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
