Asthma

Asthma, colds and flu — Keep your sneeze from turning into a wheeze.

From MayoClinic.com

A stuffy nose, sore throat or cough caused by a cold or the flu can be a nuisance. But if you have asthma, even a minor respiratory infection can mean major problems. It can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness that last for a number of days or even weeks. Asthma symptoms are often more severe when you have a respiratory infection than at other times — and may not respond as well to your daily asthma medication.

This doesn't mean you need to wear a face mask whenever you go out during cold and flu season. Instead, be extra diligent about following your asthma management plan and take reasonable precautions to avoid colds and flu. Most important, be aware of how you feel. If you think you're coming down with a respiratory infection, call your doctor.

Here's the lowdown on preventing respiratory infections along with more tips about managing asthma when you have a cold or the flu.

Why colds and flu trigger asthma attacks

When you have asthma, the air passages in your lungs overreact to allergens, irritants and infections — including viruses. As with any asthma trigger, infections cause your airways to secrete substances that cause inflammation and excess mucus. Compounding the problem, viruses can multiply more easily in lungs affected by asthma than in healthy lungs.

What to do when you have a cold or the flu

Despite your best intentions to stay healthy, an occasional cold or case of the flu is inevitable — especially in children.

• Call your doctor if you think you have a cold or the flu. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to help shorten the flu's duration and intensity if influenza is suspected or diagnosed. To be effective, antiviral medication must be taken as soon as possible after symptoms of influenza appear. There are no clear benefits of antiviral medication for colds.
• Take good care of yourself. Rest. Drink plenty of fluids. With your doctor's OK, consider over-the-counter cold or flu remedies to relieve your symptoms. The medication won't help you get over the cold or flu faster, but it may help you feel better in the meantime.
• Pay close attention to your asthma symptoms. If you notice warning signs of an asthma attack — such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath — adjust your medication as directed by your doctor. Quick action can help prevent a severe asthma attack.
• Monitor your airflow. Use a peak flow meter to monitor how well your lungs are working from day to day. Take your readings at the same time every day. If you notice a drop in your peak flow rate, adjust your medication as directed by your doctor.
• Know when your illness is something more serious. Seek medical care if you have trouble breathing or if your throat is extremely sore. Also get quick medical attention if you have any signs of pneumonia, such as a high fever, sharp pain when taking deep breaths or a cough that brings up phlegm.

Think prevention

When you're feeling better, do your best to stay that way. Here are a few things that can help:

• Stay in shape. Regular exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system and may decrease your sensitivity to asthma triggers.
• Get your yearly flu shot. Ask your doctor about a yearly influenza vaccination. (The nasal spray vaccination FluMist is not recommended for people with asthma).
• Ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia vaccination. Most people only need to get this vaccination one time, but in some cases a booster shot is needed.
• Avoid contact with anyone who's sick. Germs that cause respiratory infections are easily passed from person to person.
• Wash your hands often. This kills the germs that can cause respiratory infections. Consider keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer handy to kill germs while you're on the go.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. These are the points where germs that can make you sick can enter your body.

Colds and the flu are the most common respiratory infections that trigger asthma symptoms — but bronchitis, ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia can all trigger asthma symptoms too.

Unfortunately, respiratory infections such as colds are common, and there's no sure way to prevent any of them. But taking steps to avoid getting sick — and knowing what to do when you do come down with something — is a critical part of limiting asthma attacks and keeping your symptoms under control.

"The common cold is a well-recognized cause of asthma attacks," says James Li, M.D., an asthma and allergy specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "But early recognition and prompt treatment can prevent a mild asthma exacerbation from progressing to a severe asthma attack. Work with your doctor to develop a plan of action so that you're prepared when the first signs of a common cold occur."