This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Asthma Attacks During Cold Season ¶
Published on July 11, 2020, Dr. Elizabeth Kiragu, a paediatric allergy specialist at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, sheds light on the common chronic lung disease that affects the airways of the lungs and makes breathing difficult.
Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease in the world, affecting the airways of the lungs and making breathing difficult. It is becoming more common in Kenya and other rapidly urban countries.
The airway of asthmatics has an abnormal response to proteins contained in animal dander, plant pollens, molds, and house dust mite, among others. Irritation of airways causes spasms, cough, thick mucus production, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, and wheezing.
Management of asthmatic children involves the use of inhaled steroids, which are commonly used to treat asthma in children. Daily use of these smaller safer doses helps decrease symptoms, improves control during exposure to known triggers, and preserves lung function in children.
However, parents are more receptive to using relievers compared to controllers, to the detriment of affected children. A child who regularly requires the use of a reliever is in danger of more severe asthmatic symptoms leading to decreased lung function.
During the cold season, infections, especially viral ones, are more common. Children are more likely to get infections due to their lower ability to fight them. The size of their airways are also smaller and more easily affected by both infections and the inflammation from asthma.
Dr. Kiragu offers the following tips on managing asthma in children during cold season:
- Use their prescribed asthma controllers daily.
- Ensure that an age-appropriate spacer device is used for all inhalers.
- Use the nasal spray for nasal allergies daily.
- Avoid all known triggers including tobacco smoke.
- Keep your home dry and dust-free.
- Wash beddings at least once or twice a week.
- Take advantage of longer periods of sunshine to wash and dry blankets or duvets.
- Keep children warmly dressed but not enough to cause sweating under their clothes.
- If the asthma is worsening despite optimal use of your medications, consult your doctor.
- Always take the medications and spacer device with you during hospital visits for assessment of the spacer technique.
- Ask your doctor about the annual influenza vaccination.
