Positive Health Online

Abstract

ANBAR, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA, Anbarr@mail.upstate.edu, presents a case report on self-hypnosis for anxiety associated with severe asthma.

Background

Anxiety affects breathing and can thus exacerbate the clinical picture presented by asthma. So if anxiety-associated dyspnoea, tachypnoea, and chest tightness are simply interpreted as being due to asthma and treated as such, this can lead to overuse of asthma medications and increased hospitalizations. Case presentation: A patient with asthma who was dependent on systemic steroids benefited from the care of a pulmonologist who was well-versed in anxiety management. By using self-hypnosis, the patient was able to reduce the dependence on bronchodilators and was ultimately weaned off the systemic steroid therapy.

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

Anxiety must be regarded as a comorbid condition of asthma. Self-hypnosis can be a useful treatment for patients with asthma and anxiety.

References

Anbar RD. Self-hypnosis for anxiety associated with severe asthma: a case report. BMC Pediatrics 3 (1): 7, Jul 2003.