Stress, asthma, and respiratory infections: pathways involving airway immunology and microbial endocrinology
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography
Published on: July 10, 2018
1Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, 6116 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206, USA.
Abstract:
Stress and infections have long been independently associated with asthma pathogenesis and exacerbation. Prior research has focused on the effect of psychological stress on Th cells with particular relevance to atopic asthma. In this review, we propose new perspectives that integrate the role of infection in the relationship between psychological stress and asthma. We highlight the essential role of the mucosal epithelia of the airways in understanding the interaction between infections and the stress-asthma relationship. In addition, we review findings suggesting that psychological stress not only modulates immune processes, but also the pathogenic qualities of bacteria, with implications for the pathogenesis and exacerbation asthma.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-I: Introduction
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
