Health 5 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Distinguishing Stress-Induced Breathlessness from Asthma in Teens
A concerned mother questions if her 13-year-old daughter's shortness of breath stems from stress or asthma after a Ventolin inhaler caused tremors. Experts advise sticking with one doctor for accurate diagnosis, possibly pointing to Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/healthy-living/is-my-daughter-s-shortness-of-breath-stress-or-asthma--5412470
A mother named Angie shared her worry about her 13-year-old daughter’s breathing difficulties. While some doctors attributed it to stress rather than asthma, a prescription for Ventolin inhaler in Nakawuka led to shaking, prompting her to stop its use.
Ventolin works by delivering vaporized medicine directly to the airways to ease asthma attacks. Its inhaler format reduces side effects like tremors, rapid heartbeat, or headaches compared to pills. Excessive puffs might explain the shaking observed.
Breathlessness in teens can arise from heart or lung issues, or anxiety-related conditions now termed Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD). This stress-linked disorder impacts the brain, nerves, or spinal cord, often treated with counseling and symptom-relief drugs.
Consulting multiple doctors can hinder proper care due to overlapping symptoms. Experts recommend returning to a familiar physician for a full history review and potential specialist referral.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)