Islamabad:Cold-induced asthma has started hitting the population here in this region of the country including the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi after the setting in of cold weather however the health threat that may be life threatening is not being taken seriously by the majority of the population.
Data collected by ‘The News’ on Sunday has revealed that the number of cases with cold induced asthma has registered a significant increase at both the public and private sector healthcare facilities in the last two to three weeks.
Health experts say that the number of patients with the disease may go further up with the sharp fall in mercury being expected in the coming days. Experts say that it is time for asthma patients to take extra care to avoid asthma triggers. People should be aware of the fact that any kind of asthma can cause death and it should not be taken as non-seriously. It is documented that the maximum number of unexpected deaths are caused by asthma around the globe.
They also say that winter can be a difficult time if you have asthma. The bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs are lined by cells that produce a thin layer of mucous. The mucous not only keeps the airways lubricated but also prevents tiny dust particles from entering your lungs.
The cold, dry winter air can cause this moisture to evaporate, which could cause irritation and swelling that triggers asthma. The irritated and swollen airways may worsen asthma symptoms.
Cold induced asthma can be termed as allergic asthma and the cold air when inhaled acts like that of an allergen. The existing cold and dry air causes dryness in the respiratory tract because of which bacteria can easily enter the body through inhalation.
On precautionary measures, experts say that to avoid asthma attacks, try to stay indoors when the temperature dips very low. If one has to go outside in extreme cold from night to dawn, one must cover one’s nose and mouth with a scarf or a proper mask to warm the air before one breathe it in.
Experts suggest that one should drink extra fluids in winter as it would keep the mucus in the lungs thinner and easier for the body to remove it. Vacuum and dust your home often to remove indoor allergens. Wash your sheets and blankets every week in hot water to get rid of dust mites.
Cold is just one of many asthma triggers. Other things that can set off your symptoms include tobacco smoke, strong scents, allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander, exercise, stress and infections with viruses or bacteria.
Experts say that the patients who are already suffering from any kind of asthma can take steam inhalation to avoid dryness of the respiratory tract. People should understand that to avoid cold induced asthma and other cold related infections, dryness of the respiratory tract needs to be removed. If one cannot take hot fluids regularly, one should increase fluid intake simply.
