Why is it difficult for you to catch a cold if you have asthma? (Asthma and Colds)

The biggest problem for many people with asthma is that their asthma suddenly worsens when they get a cold or the flu. It's like a runny nose, a stuffy nose, and then your chest starts to feel tight and you can't even breathe, right? So why does this really happen? Today, we'll talk about exactly what this connection is between colds and asthma, and what we should do at a time like this.

Asthma and cold are actually two different things.

First, let's understand the difference between these two. These two are not one, but two.

• Asthma: Simply put, asthma is a chronic condition that affects the small airways (bronchial tubes) in our lungs. This causes the tubes to become hypersensitive and swollen.
• Cold: This is an infection caused by a virus. A cold mainly affects our upper respiratory system. That is, parts like the nose and throat.

Think of our lungs as the branches of a tree. When we breathe in through our noses, the air travels down the main windpipe and into tiny air sacs that branch out like branches. At the ends of those tubes are tiny air sacs called alveoli. These are the cells that add oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

Normally, the muscles around these bronchi are relaxed, allowing air to pass through without any obstruction. However, during an asthma attack , three main changes occur:

1. The muscles around the airways tighten: This is called `(Bronchospasm)`. This causes the airways to narrow.

2. Inflammation of the membranes inside the airways: This swelling also causes further obstruction of the airways.

3. Thicker mucus is produced than normal: This mucus builds up and further blocks the airways.

It is when these three factors come together that asthma symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, persistent cough, and chest tightness appear.

The viruses that cause colds can also affect our respiratory tract. So, when someone with asthma gets a cold, the virus can further stimulate the airways that are already sensitive, and the asthma condition can suddenly worsen.

What are the common symptoms of a cold?

The symptoms of a cold usually start with a sore throat. Other symptoms follow.

• Watery discharge
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired
• Sometimes a slight fever
• A cough can also occur due to mucus draining from the nose into the throat (postnasal drip).

The mucus may be watery for the first few days, but it may thicken and change color (yellow or green). However, a change in the color of the mucus does not always mean a bacterial infection. However, if you have asthma, you should be very careful about such changes.

How do you recognize that the situation is serious?

If you have any of the following symptoms that you think could be more than just a common cold, be sure to see your doctor.

How can we prevent these infections that aggravate asthma?

"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So there are a few things we can do to reduce the risk of these types of infections.

• Good hygiene: The best way to reduce the spread of viral infections is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap. Make this a habit for you and your family.
• Get vaccinated: Talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot every year. Also, discuss getting a pneumonia vaccine. Pneumonia, which is caused by a bacteria called Pneumococcus, can be very serious for someone with asthma.
• Be aware of sinusitis: Sinus infections and asthma can worsen the condition when they occur together. So be aware of the symptoms of a sinus infection and tell your doctor immediately if you have any.
• Keep equipment clean: Always keep equipment you use, such as an inhaler or nebulizer, clean. Never let anyone else use your medication or equipment.

What to do if asthma worsens with a cold?

This is the most important part. The next time you see your doctor, ask for a written "Asthma Action Plan." This is very important for you.

This plan may include things like:

• When you get an infection like a cold, you may wonder if you need to increase the dosage or frequency of your current medications.
• Consider using an additional `preventer` inhaler (e.g. a steroid inhaler) as soon as you get a cold, even if you don't have asthma symptoms yet.
• If you experience any symptoms, you should definitely talk to your doctor.

Also, stay away from environmental factors that can aggravate your asthma, such as smoke, allergens, and extreme cold air, as much as possible during this time.