Catch Your Breath: Keep Stress Levels Low To Help Manage Asthma Symptoms

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Keep Stress Levels Low To Help Manage Asthma Symptoms (NAPSA)—Whenresponsibili- ties pile up, it’s easy for even the healthiest individuals to get overwhelmed—butstress may be espe- cially problematic for the 8.5 million adults with asthma. Approximately 48 percent of adults suffer adverse health effects from stress, and while most people are aware that stress can lead to heart problems, many do not realize that it is a common asthma trigger and can worsen asthma symptoms in somepeople. “When yourlife feels like it’s spinning out of control and you're on a roller coaster of emotions, the last Tips For Dealing With Stress Take time out for yourself—Recognize when you're becoming overstressed in your daily routine and take a vacation day from work or get a babysitter to watch the kids Try relaxation techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing and squeezing a stress ball, to help reducestress levels Get enough sleep—tyou arenotsleeping well, youwill have less energy and fewer resources for coping with stress e Exercise regularly—Exercise is an excellent way to burn off the effects of stress @ thing you want to worry about is aggravating your asthma,” said principal investigator for the Allergy Associates Medical Group and Research Center in San Stress Relief at Work and at volved has not been established Cheryl Nason, author of “The Fun Factor: Your Prescription for Home.” “So it’s important to take action to control your stress.” Understanding Stress And Asthma Asthmais a chronic inflamma- tory disease of the airways that is accompanied by the tightening of the muscles surrounding the lungs’ airways. This causes the airways to narrow and can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest cavity. “There is emerging evidence suggesting that stress can contribute to asthma worsening,” said Dr. Bruce Prenner, physician and Diego, Calif. “The mechanism in- but may involve chemicals released by the body during times of stress that can cause the airways to tighten and narrow.” Unfortunately, stress is a part diagnosis and to discuss treat- ment options, Prenner recommends visiting a doctor who can provide support. “Asthma can affect everyone differently, which is why I encour- age people to talk with their health care provider,” Prenner said. According to accepted asthma guidelines, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the preferred foundation treatment for mild to moderate persistent asthma. ASMANEX TWISTHALER?220 mcg (mometa- sone furoate inhalation powder) is the only inhaled asthma-control therapy approvedfor once-daily initiation and managementof asthma symptoms in patients previously treated with a rescue or mainte- nance inhaler. Patients previously treated with oral steroids will need twice-daily dosing. “By monitoring the frequency and severity of a patient’s symp- the relationship between stress and asthma andpractice ways to manage stress, you may be able to toms, physicians can help determine appropriate asthma therapy,” said Prenner. “I’ve found that I’m able to control manyof my patients’ asthma symptoms On Your Way To Control While practicing healthy cop- occasional use of a rescue inhaler.” of daily life, but if you understand help your asthma management. ing techniques can help control stress, no one should try to tackle asthma on their own. Visit con trol-your-asthma.com to learn more about asthma, but for proper with an inhaled corticosteroid, like ASMANEX, along with the “Controlling your stress should always be top priority on your‘to do’ list,” said Nason. “After all, stress managementis a key to good health.” ASMANEX TWISTHALER 220 mcg (mometasone furoate inhalation powder) is for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 12 years of age and older. ASMANEX TWISTHALERisalso for asthma patients who are taking oral steroids where it may reduce or eliminate the need for oral steroids. ASMANEX TWISTHALERwill NOTrelieve sudden asthma symptoms. The most commonside effects with ASMANEX TWISTHALERinclude headache, allergic rhinitis, sore throat and upper respiratory infection. ASMANEX TWISTHALERtherapy should not be used to treat acute asthma episodes where extra measures are required. Be careful while adjusting to a switch from an oral steroid to the inhaled steroid ASMANEX TWISTHALER 220 mcg (mometasone furoate inhalation powder), as you may be less able to heal after surgery, infection or serious injury. Use ASMANEXas directed by your health care provider, since its ability to work in your lungs depends on regular use. Ifyour asthma symptoms do not improve, or seem worse, contact your health care provider. Avoid coming into contact with the measles or chicken pox virus. Contact your health care provider immediately if you are exposed. If you are at an increased risk for decreased bone mineral density, the use of corticosteroids may increase yourrisk. Your health care provider should monitor your condition and, if needed, provide treatment. Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids, such as ASMANEX, mayincrease the risk of some eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. For additional important product information, visit www.asmanex.com. Eligible patients who are having difficulty affording Schering-Plough medications can call the S-P Cares patient assistance program at (800) 656-9485to see if they qualify for assistance. Or visit www.pparx.org for additional information.

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