Can hugs/pressure stop asthma attacks?

Hi , and thanks for your post. This is an interesting question.

In all my experience, I can tell you, I have not heard this. Now, perhaps we have it out of context, or something else was meant when it was said, but I have not run across anything where a 'hug' can reverse an episode of asthma.

Perhaps another member of the community can shed more light on this.

Have you ever seen this occur?

Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

This is just speculation on my part, as I am by no means an asthma expert, but I wonder if it has to do with specific asthma triggers, especially stress.

Hugs and/or pressure have been shown in some studies to slow breathing and encourage deeper breathing, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and release calming hormones in the brain.

So, if someone is perhaps extremely anxious or having a panic attack, and that in turn triggered an asthma flare up, those things *may* help the person to calm down, focus on their breathing, and not make the attack worse.

What do you think, Leon? It's okay if I'm completely wrong. In fact, I expect it. 😉 -Melissa, asthma.net team

Hi Melissa - your explanation and citing studies - who knows? There are many external factors that can have an influence on asthma - certainly as triggers. Perhaps, as you've suggested it can work to help as well.

Over the years, there have been times (although rare), when I was able to overcome an episode of difficulty breathing without medication of any kind. It didn't happen often but, when it did, I did not have anything with me (MDI's or pills), I was actually able to get through it. It invariably always included pursed lip breathing and isolating myself to work on remaining calm.

I am hopeful others will still join us in this conversation. Folks must have all sorts of anecdotes, don't you think?

Leon (site moderator asthma.net)