How Patient Expectations Impact the Progression of Asthma
New research shows that optimistic patient expectations can slow asthma progression, emphasizing the importance of psychological factors in disease management.
Recent research highlights the significant role of psychological factors, particularly patient expectations, in the progression of asthma. Conducted by psychologists at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, the study reveals that individuals diagnosed with asthma who maintain a positive outlook on their health tend to experience a slower disease progression.
The study was published in the journal Health Expectations and involved 310 asthma patients monitored over six months. Researchers assessed participants' illness expectations using the validated Illness Expectation Test (IET), which measures both conscious and unconscious beliefs about disease outcomes. Throughout the study, patients' asthma control was evaluated via the Asthma Control Test (ACT), and respiratory function was measured through spirometry, focusing on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).
Findings showed that those with more negative explicit illness expectations reported worse symptoms and experienced greater declines in lung function over time. This suggests that a person's mental outlook can influence physical health outcomes in asthma. Similar patterns have been observed in other chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.
Professor Francesco Pagnini explained that these results support the idea that beliefs about disease and the future can influence behavior and adherence to treatment, much like the placebo effect. The study's insights could have important implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the need to address psychological and emotional factors alongside medical treatment.
The research underscores the importance of fostering a positive mindset in asthma patients, which might contribute to better symptom management and slower disease progression. Future interventions could include psychological support or education aimed at modifying illness expectations to improve long-term health outcomes.
This study was developed during the pandemic, which limited direct patient involvement but still prioritized patient perspectives to guide its design. It highlights the potential for integrating psychological strategies into standard asthma care to enhance effectiveness and patient well-being.
For more details, the full study is available in Health Expectations (2025), DOI: 10.1111/hex.70285. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-asthma-patient-disease.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Advances in Lung Disease Research: Using iPSCs on Microfluidic Chips
Innovative lung-on-chip models using iPSCs offer new insights into respiratory infections and personalized treatment approaches. Learn how Kyoto University researchers are advancing lung disease research with microfluidic technology.
Innovative Cancer Drug Enhances Chemotherapy Response, Even in Resistant Tumors
A new oral cancer drug developed by King's College London aims to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, even against resistant tumors, by targeting immune-suppressing proteins produced by tumor-associated macrophages. Early studies show promising results that could lead to improved cancer treatment options.
Reduced Alcohol Sensitivity May Drive Persistent Drinking Despite Negative Outcomes
New research links lower sensitivity to alcohol's stimulating effects with persistent drinking despite negative consequences, offering insights into alcohol use disorder mechanisms.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis: How to Recognize the Difference
Learn how to distinguish eczema from psoriasis, understand their causes, symptoms, health risks, and available treatments to manage these common skin conditions effectively.