Traditionally, asthma exacerbations are very common during the month of September in India, especially in the southern part of the country, with Bengaluru being one of the most affected cities. Pollen, hay, and mold counts increase exponentially, along with drastic changes in humidity that affect the pH level of the respiratory tract.
Apart from these, there are other factors that contribute to asthma exacerbation during the winter months. People tend to spend much of their time indoors during the winter, increasing exposure to dust mites and biting mites, both of which are known to trigger asthma attacks. Wearing warm clothing, especially fur clothing, can also increase the burden of asthma exacerbations by trapping allergens and triggering an allergic reaction.
Respiratory and asthma problems increase during the winter season.
Freepik/Representative image
This year, this annual challenge is further complicated by the very high prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus, the H1N1 influenza virus family, adenoviruses and, to some extent, human metapneumovirus. Some of the viruses make lung cells refractory to commonly used asthma medications. In essence, the viral infection not only contributes to asthma and the infectious scenario, but also makes it difficult to control during the winter.
A person without asthma commonly suffers from a cough lasting one or two days followed by constitutional symptoms such as temporary loss of appetite and runny nose, cough, etc. However, in a patient with asthma, in addition to the above symptoms, it can be more serious. There will be an increased need for inhalers and, along with that, a lack of relief with bronchoconstriction. This prompts them to take more medications.
Regarding the above exacerbation, the other common question is whether we should use air purifiers. Air purifiers or double-edged swords are capable of trapping particles of a particular size depending on the machine, but exhaled gases have the potential to damage ozone. So in a way, they are not environmentally friendly. The other issue that has not been given much attention is the improper use of mosquito nets and heaters during the winter months. This can change the entire humidity and composition of the air in the room, making it very harmful to the inside of the airways. Additionally, during the winter months, domestic pets tend to spend more time inside the house, which can increase, especially if dogs shed and cats are quite allergic by nature.
How can asthma and respiratory problems be successfully controlled this winter?
Freepik/Representative image
During the winter months, people with asthma and breathing problems should be very careful to avoid exacerbating their symptoms. To do this, it is important to follow a simple strategy that includes avoiding the use of leather clothing and clothing with a lot of wool material, as they can trigger allergic reactions. Second, indoor air pollution can be a common trigger for asthmatics, so be sure to keep indoor pollution to a minimum. Visit your regular health care provider and get a flu shot if appropriate. You should also see your primary care doctor, internal medicine doctor, or pulmonologist and have an initial spirometry test, which is a simple test that measures lung function: how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs. This helps ensure that the treatment you are receiving is appropriate, as it may need to be improved during these months. During winters, mothballs are used in almost every home to ensure that clothes are well protected. This has the potential to exacerbate asthma and therefore care should be taken not to use mothballs in homes with asthma.
Inhalers are very safe for controlling asthma and the fear of steroids is also unfounded. Correct use of inhalers and hand-mouth coordination are equally important to keep breathing problems at bay. This technique should be reviewed by your provider or a nurse educator, if available at your medical facility. They can help you learn the proper technique for using your inhaler and make sure you get the most benefit from your medication.
Last but not least, your healthcare provider should have a joint action plan to overcome the ups and downs in the wheezing scenario. There is also a need for a joint plan between the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), regulatory authorities, doctors and pulmonologists to work together to ensure that cities are greener and harmful pollutants such as scrubs and parthenium are removed. . It is necessary to clean stagnant water bodies and unclog drainage systems on roads. A sense of urgency is required on these issues to avoid exacerbations in the coming years. This year, in addition to climate changes, rising viral infections and asthma exacerbations are further complicated by cyclonic storms and heavy rains.
About the author: Dr. Satyanarayana Mysore is Chief Advocacy and Consultant – Pulmonology, Lung Transplant Doctor, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road. All views/opinions expressed in the article are those of the author.
Categories: Health
Source: vtt.edu.vn