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Previous studies have found a relationship between asthma and other anxiety disorders and a higher risk of depression. The reason(s) for the association between asthma and mental disorders is unknown. Researchers theorize asthma could increase the risk of anxiety disorders, or anxiety disorders might cause asthma, or there could be a common risk factors for both asthma and anxiety disorders.

Researcher Renee D. Goodwin, Ph.D., assistant professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health, did a study of 3,065 male twin pairs, who had lived together in childhood, and who had both served on active military duty during the Vietnam War. The group included both identical twins, who share all the same genetic material, and fraternal twins, who share only half of the same genetic material.

Goodwin found that those who suffered from asthma were 2.3 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than those did not have asthma. She did not find that there was a genetic link between asthma and PTSD because otherwise there would not have been a 2.3 times differential between the twin with asthma and the one free of it.

The reason for the difference may be that having asthma places adults at increased risk for PTSD because they feel they are likely to be exposed to a traumatic situation because of the life-threatening chronic medical condition. It is also possible the traumatic stress compromised the individuals immune functions, which led to an increased vulnerability to immune-system-related diseases–including asthma.

Researchers feel that a person with asthma, who experiences a traumatic event, may benefit from seeking professional help, because they could be more vulnerable to developing PTSD.

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  • Ben November 24, 2007, 8:45 pm

    I blame the use of the vacuum cleaner for spreading viruses, allergens and dust mite droppings.

    Please let me explain.

    The problem with all vacuum cleaners is that they blow out the exhaust air. This can disturb dust and allergens around the room causing them to become suspended in the ambient air this includes any dust mite droppings that are present in the room.

    There is a new Technology waiting, to eliminate this problem. It removes the problem by returning the exhaust air back into the head of the cleaner.
    This air recycling technology can also save power. It has already been proved in tests at the Intertek testing station that it can do as much work on 250 watt hour as a 1,400 watt vacuum cleaner.

    Unfortunately although working prototypes already exist, this new type of cleaner is still waiting for a manufacturer to make and market them.
    I have been trying for many years to get someone to manufacture this new cleaner or adapt the air recycling system into a current production model but without success.

    You could help me by informing your MP and trying to get him to involve the Government. The saving to the national health costs could alone justify the Governments involvement. The energy saving would be a further incentive. I have told my MP but on his own he can not do anything so try to get him some help by contacting your MP.

    This is very easy just go to and you will find his email address.

    http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alms.cfm

    Please help me to help you Thanks.
    Ben.

    For more information on ARC please go to http://www.edginton.info/arc