Colds and flu can trigger asthma attacks

Having a child with the sniffles is bad enough. But for an asthmatic child, even a simple cold can create complications and trigger an attack. The key to management is early intervention.

The passages of an asthmatic lung over-react to various allergens and irritants, including viruses. With a cold or flu, asthmatic children (and adults) can develop wheezing and chest tightness, and symptoms may become more severe and last longer. The lungs secrete substances that cause inflammation as a way of reacting to the presence of a virus.

Obviously, it is important to manage cold symptoms at the onset when your child has asthma. The Mayo Clinic posts this action plan.

1. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect your child has the flu. Antiviral medications must be taken within 24-48 hours after the start of a flu.

2. Rest. Offer plenty of fluids to drink. Lessen physical activities considerably. Fatigue and physical exertion will only make the symptoms worse.

3. Pay close attention to the asthma symptoms. If you notice warning signs of an asthma attack — such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath — adjust medication as directed by your doctor. Quick action can help prevent a severe attack.

4. Monitor airflow. Use a peak flow meter to monitor how well your child’s lungs are working from day to day. Take the readings at the same time every day. If you notice a drop in the peak flow rate, adjust medication as directed by your doctor.

5. Know when the illness is something more serious. Seek medical care if your child has trouble breathing of if the throat is extremely sore. Also get quick medical attention if there are signs of pneumonia, such as a high fever, sharp pain when taking deep breaths or a cough bringing up phlegm.

6. Think prevention. When your child is feeling better, do your best to get him to stay that way. A healthy diet, plenty of sleep and regular exercise will keep him healthy. Ask your pediatrician about a yearly flu shot, as well as the pneumonia vaccine. Wash your child’s hands often, and avoid contact with anyone who’s sick.

Tags: influenza, flu, colds, viruses, diseases, illness, health, medicine, viral respiratory, pediatrics