Respiratory Viruses Can Trigger Asthma Attacks

Prevention, Vigilance and an Action Plan Are Keys to Staying Healthy

People with asthma need to be especially vigilant during the fall and winter months, when the chances of suffering an asthma attack rise sharply. Respiratory infections, such as colds or the flu, begin to rise in early fall and peak during winter months. They cause 80 percent of asthma attacks among children and half of all asthma attacks among adults.

"While great attention has been focused on the flu this year, any respiratory infection, including a simple cold, can trigger an asthma attack," said Erwin Gelfand, MD, Chairman of Pediatrics at National Jewish Medical and Research Center. "Patients who can avoid infections and respond quickly if an infection does start to affect their lung function have the best chance of preventing an asthma attack and, possibly, a trip to the emergency room."

Avoiding Infections

• Flu Shot . Although flu vaccines are in short supply this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control places asthma patients among at-risk people who should get vaccinations if at all possible.
  
  
• Wash your hands frequently. Since your hands are the most common vehicle for carrying germs into your body, you should scrub vigorously with soap and water for 10-15 seconds to keep them as germ-free as possible. Wash after using the bathroom, before handling food, before eating, and any other time you think you might have picked up germs.
   
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. You can't keep all the germs off your hands all the time. So, keep your hands away from germs' most common entryway into the body.
   
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Don't spread your germs to others.
   
• Use disposable tissue. And wipe your nose in a way that keeps secretions on the tissue and doesn't contaminate your hands.
  

Coping with Infections

Even with the best preventive precautions people can catch a cold or the flu. The key is to be prepared and to keep a sharp eye out for any increased asthma symptoms or decline in lung function.

• Antiviral medications. If you do catch the flu, there are several prescription medications available that can reduce the severity and length of the flu if they are taken within 48 hours after symptoms first develop.
    
• Action Plan . An action plan is a written, customized plan to help you manage asthma episodes. You should develop one in consultation with your doctor before any potential crisis develops so you will be prepared to cope effectively with any problems associated with your asthma. Information about actions plans are available on the National Jewish Web site (www.nationaljewish.org) and from National Jewish's toll-free LUNG LINE at 800-222-LUNG or Lungline@njc.org.
  

Warning Signs

• Declining peak flows. Use a peak flow meter at the same time every day. If your peak flows dip into the yellow or red zone, consult your action plan.
   
  
• Cough. A cough can be a sign not only of a respiratory infection, but worsening asthma.
   
• Nightime awakening. If you begin waking up more frequently during the night and feeling short of breath, your asthma is probably worsening.
   
• Increased use of rescue inhaler. If you begin using your rescue inhaler more frequently, once again, your asthma is probably worsening and you need to consult your action plan.