Viral respiratory infections like the common cold are the most common trigger for asthma flares, and affect school-aged children more frequently during the winter months.  Even a simple cold can trigger a major asthma event, says Warden Hwan, M.D., of Bux-Mont Allergy & Asthma, making it more important to keep your children’s asthma symptoms under control as we enter cold and flu season.

Dr. Hwan says that he receives an increased number of calls during late fall and winter from patients experiencing asthma symptoms that started as a cold.  Patients with well-controlled asthma tolerate viral infections better than patients whose asthma symptoms are not under control, making it doubly important for your children to take their daily asthma control medications on a consistent basis.

Patients with asthma should take extra steps to prevent upper respiratory infections this time of year, says Dr. Hwan.  Wash hands frequently, and try to avoid touching the areas around the eyes, nose and mouth to hamper exposure to viruses.  Limit close contact with sick friends and family members, especially those who are coughing, and continue to build up your child’s immune system by allowing her to get an adequate amount of sleep each night.

All patients, especially those with asthma, should receive a flu shot each year, so if you haven’t already had your child immunized, consider contacting your pediatrician or allergist as soon as possible.  If your child does come down with cold or flu symptoms, using a humidifier to alleviate congestion might not be the best idea if your child’s triggers include dust mites or mold.  Mold and dust mites thrive when the indoor humidity is elevated above 50 percent, says Dr. Hwan, and improperly maintained or cleaned humidifiers can be a breeding ground for mold.

Some asthma symptoms can be triggered by aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil, Aleve or Motrin.  If your child has a history of nasal polyps, or if aspirin or NSAIDs are a known trigger, administer different over-the-counter cold and sinus medications carefully, or avoid them altogether.  Patients with asthma who are coughing get much more relief with the use of their rescue albuterol inhalers than with use of over-the-counter cough medications, says Dr. Hwan.

Work with your allergist to create an “asthma action plan” for your child, and ask whether you should have additional medications on hand during cold and flu season.  Controlling your child’s overall health this season will go a long way in controlling her asthma.

To make an appointment with Dr. Hwan, call Bux-Mont Allergy & Asthma at 215-257-5000.

What are some of your child’s typical asthma triggers, and how do you avoid colds and flu?