Tips for asthma patients in winter: When should you go to the emergency room?
Dr. Khaled Bawaked, a consultant in family medicine and allergy, issued strong warnings to asthma and chest allergy sufferers, emphasizing the need for full awareness of the serious symptoms they may experience during periods of severe cold. He confirmed to Al-Youm newspaper that strict adherence to treatment plans and community awareness constitute the first line of defense in controlling acute asthma attacks, which tend to increase in frequency during the winter season.
The physiological effect of winter on the lungs
In explaining the physiological effects, Bawaked clarified that the drop in temperature not only affects the skin but also the respiratory system. The cold, dry air acts as a powerful trigger for sudden bronchial constriction. This constriction, in turn, leads to acute shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and audible wheezing—symptoms reflecting a severe allergic reaction of the bronchi to the climatic changes.
Wrong behaviors and health risks
The consultant warned against harmful habits practiced by some, such as inhaling cold air directly through the mouth, especially during exercise or physical exertion outdoors. He explained that this behavior deprives the air of the natural warmth and humidification provided by the nose, increasing irritation of the airways and triggering asthma attacks. It is worth noting that asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, and asthma-related emergencies increase significantly during the colder months, necessitating strict preventative strategies to alleviate the burden on the healthcare sector and protect patients.
Prevention and treatment protocol
Bawaked emphasized a set of preventive measures to avoid complications, most notably:
- Adhere to preventive medications regularly and do not stop taking them without medical advice.
- Avoid direct exposure to cold air currents and keep the chest and neck area warm.
- Wearing masks or scarves to cover the nose and mouth ensures that the air is warmed before it reaches the lungs.
- Avoid chest irritants such as strong perfumes, smoke, and dust.
- Treating colds and flu in their early stages to prevent them from developing into chest infections.
Extreme danger signs
Regarding managing emergency situations, Dr. Khaled indicated that a bronchodilator inhaler is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate cases, provided it is used correctly. However, he issued a crucial warning: patients should immediately seek emergency room care for nebulizer and oxygen therapy if they experience signs of severe oxygen deficiency, including cyanosis of the lips, severe shortness of breath that impairs speech, dizziness, and general fatigue . He concluded his advice by emphasizing the importance of drinking warm fluids to soothe the airways and the necessity of carrying an emergency inhaler at all times.
