A case study of an 18-year-old male with asthma highlights how modern technology can act as a source of stress and trigger asthma attacks. After a breakup, the young man, who was in a depressed state, experienced asthma symptoms whenever he logged onto Facebook and viewed his ex-girlfriend's profile. The attacks ceased entirely when he decided to stop using Facebook. This case suggests that social media can be a potent triggering factor for asthma, particularly in asthmatic individuals who are depressed or emotionally distressed.

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Individuals with asthma often report and exhibit high levels of negative emotions, such as anxiety. Research indicates a link between periods of heightened emotionality and the onset of asthma attacks. Furthermore, significant emotional distress, whether in controlled laboratory settings or in daily life, has been shown to adversely affect airway function and can even produce asthma-like symptoms in those with the condition.

Link Between Negative Emotions and Asthma Symptoms

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A study provided evidence for the connection between emotional states and asthma symptoms by monitoring 20 adults with the condition. Participants used preprogrammed wristwatches that prompted them to measure their airway function with a portable device. The results demonstrated that higher self-reported levels of negative emotions and stress were directly associated with increased airway obstruction and more severe asthma symptoms.

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