How Viral Infections Can Trigger & Affect Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory illness that is triggered by the inflammation of the airways in the lungs and causes symptoms like wheezing, persistent coughing, breathlessness, and more. This may even lead to an asthma attack. The condition cannot be cured but can be managed with the help of medications and inhalers.
While the symptoms of the condition can be experienced throughout the year, many people only experience them during certain seasons or due to certain triggers. Among the different types of asthma, the most commonly experienced one is allergic asthma or seasonal asthma. Some of the most common asthma causes include viral infections, allergies due to dust mites, pet dander, and more.
Viral Infections and Allergic Asthma
Viral-induced asthma is caused by a respiratory tract infection and also includes viruses that cause the common cold and flu. Viral-induced asthma can be caused even in people who have their asthma symptoms under control. The best way to protect yourself from this type of asthma is to take proper precautions to prevent respiratory tract infections.
Viral-induced asthma can make your symptoms worse and may also lead to a severe asthma attack. Viral-induced asthma is often identified by common asthma symptoms which are accompanied by classic symptoms of respiratory infections.
Viral-induced asthma is linked to certain types of respiratory viruses including Rhinoviruses, Influenza viruses, Parainfluenza viruses, Coronaviruses, Pneumonia viruses, Adenoviruses, RSV and more. Being infected by certain viruses early in life can alter the immune responses of the body. This may lead to immune overreaction later in life when the person is once again exposed to a similar type of virus.
How Viral Infections Affect Asthma
Viral-induced asthma can cause a new set of symptoms in people who have adult-onset asthma. These cases can be difficult to control because they are likely to be more persistent and harder to manage. It can also increase a person’s vulnerability to infection and cause a rapid decline in lung function.
Severe prolonged respiratory infections occurring in the lungs may make it difficult to control symptoms of asthma and may even cause a severe attack. Viral replication may cause allergic inflammation even in the lower airways and trigger symptoms of asthma even in those who have their asthma under check.
Currently, there are no known medications that can reduce the severity of viral-induced asthma. Doctors often prescribe medications that are commonly used to treat the condition. Apart from that, it is advised to take proper precautions to prevent catching a viral infection. Make sure you wash your hands frequently. Get a flu shot every year and stay updated on your asthma action plan. Stay away from people who have colds or flu and make sure you don’t share your cups, glasses, etc with other people in your house. Optimise your health and visit your doctor on a regular basis.
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