Published: Thursday, April 30, 2009
In flu outbreak, asthmatics need a plan, not panic
A word of advice for asthmatics during the swine flu outbreak: Don't panic.
Yes, those with asthma can have a tough time with respiratory illnesses such as flu. But with proper precautions and measures, health experts say, there's no reason for additional worry.
"Asthmatics aren't necessarily more susceptible than anybody else, but they will potentially get sicker if they get (the flu)," said Dr. Peter Katona, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Because asthmatics have a compromised immune system and their airways don't work as well as they should, he said, symptoms can be worse.
Precautions being touted for the general population apply to asthmatics as well, Katona said, including washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
All asthmatics should have an action plan from their physician, said Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. An action plan contains information about what to do for various illnesses and stages of symptoms, including what medications to take. If no plan exists, a doctor can provide one, but Edelman cautions against dashing out in a mad rush. "We don't want to generate panic," he said.
As for venturing into crowded public places, Edelman said to follow the advice of local authorities.
Nancy Sander, founder and president of Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, suggested making sure all medications are current and in good supply. "And make certain you know how to use them properly," she added, referring especially to bronchodilators, which allow for better air flow into the lungs.
Yes, those with asthma can have a tough time with respiratory illnesses such as flu. But with proper precautions and measures, health experts say, there's no reason for additional worry.
"Asthmatics aren't necessarily more susceptible than anybody else, but they will potentially get sicker if they get (the flu)," said Dr. Peter Katona, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Because asthmatics have a compromised immune system and their airways don't work as well as they should, he said, symptoms can be worse.
Precautions being touted for the general population apply to asthmatics as well, Katona said, including washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
All asthmatics should have an action plan from their physician, said Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. An action plan contains information about what to do for various illnesses and stages of symptoms, including what medications to take. If no plan exists, a doctor can provide one, but Edelman cautions against dashing out in a mad rush. "We don't want to generate panic," he said.
As for venturing into crowded public places, Edelman said to follow the advice of local authorities.
Nancy Sander, founder and president of Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, suggested making sure all medications are current and in good supply. "And make certain you know how to use them properly," she added, referring especially to bronchodilators, which allow for better air flow into the lungs.
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