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A cold or the flu can trigger an asthma attack. Here's why — and how to keep your sneeze from turning into a wheeze.
If you have asthma, even a mild cold can lead to wheezing and tightness in your chest. Colds and the flu are among the most common causes of asthma flare-ups, especially in young children.
Regular asthma medications may fail to relieve asthma symptoms associated with a cold or the flu. Also, asthma symptoms caused by a respiratory infection may last for several days to weeks.
There's no sure way to keep yourself or your child from getting a cold or the flu. But taking steps to avoid getting sick, and taking the right steps when you do, can help.
Take these steps to help avoid getting sick:
Despite your best intentions to stay healthy, an occasional cold or case of the flu is inevitable, especially in children. These steps may help:
Work with your health care provider to develop a plan of action to prevent getting a cold or the flu. Know what to do at the first signs you or your child may be getting sick. Prompt treatment can help ease symptoms and prevent a mild asthma flare-up from progressing to a severe asthma attack.
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