Does the cold affect asthma patients?

ArabiaWeather - Individuals who suffer from asthma face significant challenges due to multiple influences, including common triggers such as cleaning agents, perfumes, animal fur, and even pollen and mold. In addition, the incidence of asthma attacks increases in certain seasons, especially during the winter and fall, and this effect is particularly apparent in children.

As winter approaches, the possibility of contracting diseases such as colds and colds increases, which makes life more difficult for individuals, especially for those who suffer from asthma, which is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This results from excessive sensitivity of the bronchial tubes to various stimuli, which leads to recurring asthma attacks and the appearance of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing, especially during the night or early morning hours.

Does asthma increase in winter?

Some people believe that winter may relieve asthma symptoms by reducing pollutants in the air. However, the opposite appears to be the case, as the winter season witnesses an increase in asthma attacks, and scientific studies have documented this increase significantly in several cities. In one study published in the journal Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2005, scientists noted a significant increase in the number of children admitted to emergency rooms for severe asthma in Canada during the period from September 10 to 30. This increase has led to this phenomenon being called the “September epidemic.”

Does the cold affect asthma patients?

The association of asthma attacks with the winter season is due to several factors, the most prominent of which are:

1. Cold air: Worsening asthma attacks in winter is partly due to cold air, which can trigger asthma attacks in some patients. It is believed that this cold air stimulates nerve stimuli in the lung, which leads to activation of inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, causing asthmatic wheezing and shortness of breath.
2. Upper respiratory tract infections: Upper respiratory tract infections play a major role in the increased incidence of asthma attacks during the fall and winter. The spread of diseases such as colds, influenza, and the common cold is increasing, which are mostly attributed to viruses.
3. Operating heating and air insulation systems: Operating heating and air insulation systems causes a lack of air renewal in homes and rooms. This contributes to faster transmission of the infection and makes it more difficult to control, especially among school-age children.

In addition to these factors, the association of asthma attacks with winter is due to several other reasons, including:

• Dust mites: The increased presence of dust mites in the environment during the winter can be a contributing factor to worsening asthma symptoms.
• Neglecting to adhere to asthma medications: Neglecting to adhere to medications prescribed for asthma patients may contribute to an increase in the frequency of asthma attacks during the winter.
• Setting fires for warmth: Setting fires to wood for heating purposes can cause sparks and particles to spread into the air, which may increase lung irritation in asthma patients.
• Pollen prevalence: In some areas, there may be an increased prevalence of pollen during the winter, which can contribute to an increased incidence of asthma attacks.
• Exercising outdoor sports activities: Exercising outdoor sports activities may require inhaling more cold air, which may trigger asthma attacks in some sufferers.

How can asthma be controlled during the winter?

Here are some important guidelines for maintaining the health of asthma patients during the winter:

1. Controlling minor asthma symptoms: Early intervention is preferable to control asthma symptoms before they develop into larger problems. This is recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
2. Adherence to prescribed asthma medications: The patient must be adherent to taking the medications prescribed to him, including those used to suppress attacks and taken when needed. Not abandoning treatment in the winter helps prevent symptoms from worsening.
3. Cleaning mattresses and covers: It is preferable to clean mattresses and bed covers regularly using hot water to get rid of internal allergens such as dust mites.
4. Writing an action plan and sticking to it: Preparing an action plan that includes instructions for recognizing symptoms and how to deal with them is important. The patient must commit to implementing this plan and keep medications on hand.
5. Fighting colds and influenza through vaccination: It is recommended to take the pneumonia vaccine and the influenza vaccine after consulting a doctor. It is preferable to avoid nasal sprays to avoid possible complications.

By taking these steps and following medical guidelines, asthma patients can reduce the likelihood of asthma attacks and maintain their health during the winter.

Tips for asthma patients during the winter

These are important tips for asthma patients during the winter, which can help reduce the chances of asthma attacks and maintain their health. To confirm these tips:

• Contacting a doctor when suffering from a cold or flu: Contacting a doctor allows him to determine the appropriate treatment and adjust the treatment plan to suit the specific symptoms.
• Rest and drink fluids: Getting adequate rest and increasing fluid intake enhances the effectiveness of the immune system and helps in rapid recovery.
• Consult a pharmacist before taking medications: It is preferable to consult a pharmacist before taking any medication to ensure that it is suitable for asthma patients and does not conflict with current treatment.
• Visiting the hospital in case of severe symptoms: The patient must visit the hospital in the event of severe symptoms such as high body temperature, chills, or pain accompanying breathing.
• Avoid mixing and contact: The patient should avoid mixing with patients and direct contact, while adhering to the rules of personal hygiene.
• Breathing through the nose and drinking plenty of water: Breathing through the nose helps moisturize and warm the air before it enters the lungs. Drinking plenty of water keeps the respiratory system well hydrated.

These tips indicate the importance of taking care of personal health and following self-care guidelines during the winter to avoid worsening asthma symptoms.

Source: altibbi