Asthma and colds

Asthma and colds are undesirable friends. If only because together they will fight against you and your health. If you have asthma, a cold can make its symptoms worse. It is important to understand this in order to know what asthma medications to use to prevent asthma attacks during a cold. How to cope with asthma and a cold?

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What is asthma?

Normally, a person breathes through the nose and throat, then the air enters the bronchi, which end in special tubes. At the end of these tubes are tiny air sacs called alveoli. They supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from it when we breathe.

During normal breathing, the muscle groups that surround the airways are relaxed. Air moves through them freely. During an asthma attack, three main changes occur: Air does not reach the airways. The person begins to choke.

The muscle groups that surround the airways tighten. This makes the airways narrow and makes breathing difficult. This tightness of breathing is called bronchospasm. The linings of the airways become swollen or inflamed.

The cells lining the airways produce more mucus, which is thicker than normal.

All of these factors - bronchospasm, inflammation and mucus production - cause asthma. Asthma causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty speaking.

What is a cold?

Colds are respiratory infections caused by viruses.

Several hundred different viruses can cause cold symptoms. These viruses can also affect your respiratory tract, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Not every person with asthma feels the same and has the same symptoms as another person with asthma. Asthma symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the person's body. They can be mild, almost unnoticeable, or severe.

Asthma does not cause fever, chills, muscle aches, or sore throat like a cold. The most common symptoms of asthma include:

• Frequent cough
• Pressure in the chest
• Wheezing in the lungs when listening
• Shortness of breath

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Colds often begin with discomfort or a sore throat. This discomfort is accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, and sometimes a slight fever. A cough also joins in.

During the first few days of a cold, your nose is filled with a watery, mucous discharge. This discharge may become thicker and darker over time. Dark mucus does not necessarily mean you have a bacterial infection—it could be a virus that is causing the disease.

What symptoms indicate more serious infections?

Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Fever (temperature above 39 degrees Celsius) or chills
• Increased fatigue or weakness
• My throat hurts a lot or I feel severe pain when swallowing

• Sinusitis headaches, toothaches or pain in the upper cheekbones
• Cough with a lot of yellow or green mucus
• Also call your doctor if you have other symptoms that concern you, such as:
• Increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing
• Symptoms worsen after seven days of illness.
• Symptoms remain unchanged or worsen after 10 days of illness
• Pain or swelling of the eyes
• "Heavy" head or facial pain and swelling

What should I do if my asthma symptoms get worse when I have a cold?

Work with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan during your visit. This plan can help you increase the dose or frequency of the medication you're already taking when a cold makes your asthma symptoms worse.

Your doctor will advise you when asthma and cold symptoms require a visit to the doctor. You should also avoid environmental factors that may trigger an asthma attack, such as smoke, allergens, cold air, or chemicals (such as those from household cleaning products).

Asthma and colds are diseases whose combination should be avoided. If this does not work, do not self-medicate, but consult a doctor in time - at the first signs of illness.

What is the difference between asthma and a cold?

Asthma is associated with inflammation of the lower respiratory tract - the bronchi. Colds as a result of infection with a virus weaken the body and especially the respiratory system. Moreover, viruses primarily affect the nose and throat - the upper respiratory tract. But both the upper and lower respiratory tract are equally important for human health and breathing. Therefore, when asthma and colds interact, a person can experience double the load. The heart and other organs suffer from this.

How can you prevent a cold if you have asthma?

Consistent and thorough hygiene can reduce the risk of viral infections, such as the common cold. Prevent the spread of cold viruses by making sure you and your family members wash your hands regularly.

Another way to protect yourself from viruses is to get a flu vaccine every year. Like the common cold, the flu is caused by a virus and can also trigger asthma.