INVC NEWS
Asthma may not be the first thing you think of when winter comes knocking, but the colder conditions can exacerbate symptoms for people with the condition. Asthma is a chronic, long-term disease that causes inflammation and blockage of a person’s airways. While no cure exists, many measures are available that can help people control the condition and improve their quality of life.
The dry air dries out the mucus in the lungs, which is the natural barrier against temperature changes, this makes the smooth muscle more ‘twitchy’ and prone to asthma attacks when it comes in contact with the cold air.
Effective asthma treatment requires routinely tracking symptoms and measuring how well your lungs are working. Taking an active role in managing the asthma treatment will help to maintain better long-term asthma control, prevent asthma attacks and avoid long-term problems.
Prevention and long-term control is key in stopping asthma attacks before they start. Treatment usually involves learning to recognize your triggers, taking steps to avoid them and tracking your breathing to make sure your daily asthma medications are keeping symptoms under control. In case of an asthma flare-up, you may need to use a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, says Dr.Ashish Jaiswal, Senior Oncologist, Bhardwaj Hospital, Noida.
Cold weather also brings an uptick in colds and flu going around, both of which can make asthma symptoms worse.
In order to avoid asthma attacks in the cold weather, patients need to focus on prevention. Medication should be taken regularly and as directed. If conditions seem to be prime for an attack, patients should use an albuterol inhaler to stop an attack before it starts, adds Dr.Jaiswal.
