People often take the flu lightly, but it is extremely unsafe. The flu period in the US sometimes runs from fall to spring. If left untreated, it can lead to pneumonia or even death. Respiratory illnesses often come in this season. Asthma sufferers should be especially careful. How does asthma affect cold recovery? Let’s find out.
Asthma and Flu Complications
Asthmatics should be especially careful. Now let’s look at why. Common signs of flu may include fever (often over 101°F), headaches, sore throat, and persistent cough. These illness signs often begin suddenly. Patients with the flu have a stuffy or runny nose and feel tired. They sometimes have muscle or body aches and even diarrhea and vomiting. The signs may overlap with signs of other illnesses. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. Do not let the disease progress. Seek medical help right away, especially if you have asthma.
In such cases, the flu can be especially dangerous. The virus causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It makes asthma signs worse. Influenza has a significant impact on people with asthma. It makes asthma signs worse. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness… People with asthma are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. It’s a serious lung infection caused by viruses or bacteria.
Take steps to protect yourself from the flu. Practice good hygiene and get a flu shot every year. It helps reduce the risk of getting the flu. Talk to your doctor about additional steps to stay safe.
Cold Symptoms
A cold usually begins with a sore throat. It’s followed by a clear nasal discharge, sneezing, fatigue, and sometimes a low fever. Postnasal drip from the sinuses also causes a cough. During the first few days of a cold, the nasal discharge is watery, but it can become thicker and darker as the infection progresses. Dark mucus is not necessarily a sign of a bacterial infection. But since a cold can trigger asthma, monitor your symptoms closely.
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary greatly from person to person. The severity varies from one episode to the next. Asthma attacks are not associated with sore throat, fever, or chills. Common asthma signs include persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. How does asthma affect cold recovery? Asthma can inflame the airways. Let’s get to know how.
How Does the Flu Spread?
This illness is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is spread mainly through small droplets produced. An infected person talks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets land in the noses, mouths, or eyes of people nearby. Less commonly, the flu is spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. People sometimes spread the flu as soon as they feel sick. Managing asthma during flu season is a priority.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
It is better to prevent a disease than to treat it later. Some children under 9 years of age need two doses of flu vaccine in the first year of vaccination. A high-dose vaccine is available for people 65 years of age and older. The flu shot is recommended for people with asthma. The vaccine reduces the chance of getting the flu if you do get sick. Ensure a quicker recovery with a lower risk of various complications.
How to Treat the Flu
If you think you have the flu, you should get tested early (within 1-2 days of signs). Other measures include getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and not using alcohol or tobacco. Always check with your doctor before using over-the-counter medications, as they may interfere with other medications.
Cold and Flu Risks for Asthma Patients
Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the lower airways of the lungs, known as the bronchial tubes. Colds are caused by viral infections that usually affect the upper airways, including the throat and nose.
Normally, air enters your body through your nose and trachea into the bronchial tubes. It branches into smaller tubes, eventually leading to the alveoli. These alveoli allow oxygen to enter your bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. Under normal conditions, the muscles around your airways remain relaxed, allowing air to move freely.
However, during an asthma attack, three main changes occur: bronchospasm, inflammation, and excess mucus. The muscles around the airways tighten, narrowing them. The lining of the airways swells.
The cells lining the airways produce thicker mucus than normal.
These changes lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and limitations in daily activities. Cold viruses can also irritate the airways and cause asthma.
When to See a doctor
Asthma and respiratory infections—a situation of increased attention. Call your doctor if you have any of the following signs:
- Fever or chills
- Increased tiredness or weakness
- Severe sore throat or pain when swallowing
- Sinus headaches, upper toothaches, or tenderness in the upper cheekbones
- Cough with yellow or green mucus
- Difficulty swallowing
- Worsening asthma symptoms such as increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing (call 911 if bronchospasm occurs, as this can be life-threatening)
- Symptoms that do not improve within 7 days
- Eye pain or swelling, vision changes
- Severe pain or swelling in the head or face
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
Summary
The flu makes asthma much worse for people with asthma. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This worsens asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The best way to protect yourself from this illness is to get vaccinated every year. Take precautions. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly. Avoid contact with sick people. Patients with asthma are at increased risk of developing pneumonia and other serious infections caused by viruses or bacteria. Therefore, see a doctor at the first sign of flu.
