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MILWAUKEE (1/19/2007) - Winter in Wisconsin means we all need to be wary of the weather, especially those with asthma. Breathing cold air can trigger an asthma attack. A person with asthma should cover his or her nose and mouth with a scarf or mitten when outside. This helps warm the air, which can help to avoid an asthma attack.
Winter is the cold and flu season. Colds and other respiratory infections can lead to an asthma flare-up. It is important to do what you can to avoid illness. "Frequent hand-washing with soap can reduce your exposure to the bugs that can make you sick," said Erin Lee, asthma education coordinator for Fight Asthma Milwaukee. All people with asthma also should receive an annual flu shot.
Other things you can do to prevent an asthma attack:
- Continue to take prescribed medicines as directed, even if you or your child feels well.
- Make sure everyone in the home has a flu shot.
- Always check with your doctor before giving your child over-the-counter cold and flu medicines. Some medicines found in cold remedies may trigger asthma symptoms.
- Always make sure a rescue inhaler is available.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air inside your home between 30 and 40 percent.
- Don't smoke in the home.
- Maintain furnace filters, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves to reduce indoor triggers.
- Consider skipping indoor holiday decorations.
Track your child's asthma symptoms and medicine use. Talk to your doctor if your child needs to use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week.
FAM Allies is the longest standing asthma coalition in Wisconsin. Located at Children's Health Education Center in Milwaukee, the coalition's mission is to work together with children and families, connecting them to caring people, reducing hospital stays and supporting healthy lives. For more information, visit www.famallies.org.
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