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With the changing weather and falling temperatures, the risk of respiratory diseases and seasonal flu increases rapidly. While for common people, flu is limited to only cold, fever and mild physical fatigue, for patients suffering from serious respiratory disease ‘asthma’, flu infection can prove to be fatal and extremely dangerous. According to medical experts, the airways of asthma patients are already highly sensitive and inflamed. In such a situation, when influenza virus enters the body, it increases the swelling of the respiratory tract manifold, due to which there is severe difficulty in breathing and the risk of asthma attack increases. Health experts have strongly advised asthma patients to remain alert and not ignore the initial symptoms.
#1 Why does flu infection become fatal for asthma patients?
The double attack of asthma and flu on the respiratory system of the human body creates a very dangerous situation. When an asthma patient contracts viral flu, the virus directly attacks the inner wall of the lungs and respiratory system. Due to this, the respiratory tubes start shrinking and thick mucus starts accumulating in them. A normal person’s body recovers from flu within a few days, but in an asthma patient, this infection can turn into serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis and lung infection. In many cases, the condition worsens so much that the patient needs immediate hospitalization or ICU and ventilator support.
#1 Asthma patients should not ignore these 5 dangerous symptoms even by mistake.
If an asthma patient is experiencing initial symptoms of flu, it can be costly to mistake them for a common cold. If you or someone in your family suffering from asthma notices the following symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor:
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Shortness of breath and extreme chest tightness: Having more trouble breathing than normal, feeling heavy pressure in the chest, or feeling as if the lungs are not getting enough air.
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Wheezing: When the patient inhales or exhales, a loud whistling sound coming from the chest is a major sign of excessive narrowing of the respiratory tract.
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Whooping cough with mucus or persistent cough: Attacks of dry or mucus-filled cough at night or early in the morning, which do not subside even after taking an inhaler.
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High fever accompanied by shivering and body aches: Body temperature suddenly rising above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, feeling strained in the muscles and extreme weakness.
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Blue color of lips or nails: This is the most serious symptom of rapid drop in oxygen levels in the body. In such cases, medical emergency is required without wasting a moment.
#1 Effective prevention and precautions to avoid the risk of flu and asthma
Asthma patients should take special care about their lifestyle and medicines during winter and seasonal changes. Following are the major preventive measures suggested by experts:
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Be sure to get the annual flu vaccine: Getting influenza vaccine every year as per doctor’s advice acts as a protective shield for asthma patients. It protects the lungs from the serious effects of the virus.
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Always carry the controller and rescue inhaler: Take preventive and controller medicines regularly as recommended by the doctor. Always keep a rescue inhaler ready with you and keep checking the expiry date.
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Protection from pollution and cold wind: Avoid going out of the house in the morning and late evening when there is more smog or pollution. While going out, always wear a good quality mask and cover your nose and mouth with a cotton cloth.
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Hand hygiene and distance from infected people: Flu viruses can survive on any surface for hours. Therefore, wash your hands frequently with soap and avoid coming in contact with people suffering from cold and cough.
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Consumption of lukewarm water and steam: Keep drinking lukewarm water throughout the day so that the mucus accumulated in the throat and lungs can get diluted and come out. Taking steam of plain water once or twice a day is also beneficial.
#1 Be prepared for emergency (Asthma Action Plan)
It is mandatory for every asthma patient to have a written ‘Asthma Action Plan’ prepared by his doctor. This plan should clearly mention which medicines should be taken if the condition remains normal, how much dose of the inhaler should be increased if the symptoms worsen and under what circumstances one should immediately go to an ambulance or hospital. Stopping the inhaler on your own or starting antibiotics without consulting your doctor can be extremely dangerous. With timely identification, vigilance and medical care, asthma patients can remain completely safe and healthy even during the flu season.