Be Ready For Cold-Induced Asthma Symptoms
Anyone suffering from asthma quickly learns that cold air often
brings on an attack. The problem with cold-induced asthma
symptoms is that they can be easily mistaken for other, much
less serious problems (like being extremely tired). Because
exercise- and cold-induced asthma can, in some cases, result in
death, it is very important to correctly name the symptoms. Even
if you're not an asthmatic, this knowledge may save the life of
one of your friends.
How could it happen?
Cold-induced asthma is caused by a narrowing of airways
irritated by inflowing cold air. The symptoms are as the
following:
1. Difficulty in breathing Difficulty in breathing is the
easiest signal to notice, but it is also the easiest of all
cold-induced asthma symptoms to misinterpret. When coming into
contact with cold air, or after exercising, some breathing
problems are perfectly natural. But if someone says that he/she
feels tightness in the chest, or if you notice certain
irregularity in breathing (exhalation takes twice as long as
inhalation) - remember that all these are genuine cold-induced
asthma symptoms. At this point it is possible that the attack in
already on the way.
2. Bluish color of face and/or lips The facial discoloration is
caused by the lack of oxygen. The problem is that it is also a
natural color of the human face in cold weather. Fortunately,
this cold-induced asthma symptom is visible along with other,
more straightforward symptoms. The face color usually changes at
the same moment an asthmatic starts loosing his/her
consciousness.
3. Decreased level of consciousness Losing consciousness is
potentially the most dangerous of all cold-induced asthma
symptoms. The confusions unconsciousness creates often prolongs
the time between the attack and the sufferer receiving some
help. Keep that in mind when someone shows signs of breathing
problems. The danger of indulging violent outdoor exercises in
winter is the possibility of losing consciousness... and that is
a classic example of cold-induced asthma symptoms.
4. Severe apprehension Another important cold-induced asthma
symptom is fear. When an asthmatic feels he/she can't breathe,
he or she will show fear bordering on panic, even if it is
impossible for him or her to speak. This is probably the most
important symptom of asthma for non-asthmatics. Exhaustion alone
does not generate such fear. Consider this situation: you notice
that your friend on a hiking trip stops suddenly and tries to
take a deep breath. You think he or she is probably tired, but
you come closer. If you see a trace of panic in his or her eyes,
you can be sure that it's not about being exhausted: the
cold-induced asthma attack in on its way. Symptoms don't lie.
Don't overlook them!
The worst thing you can do is to ignore or misinterpret
cold-induced asthma symptoms. If it is a severe case of asthma,
the very life of an asthmatic may rest entirely in your hands.
It is not an exaggeration to say that your reaction may decide
whether someone lives or dies! This is especially important
outdoors or in wilderness.
If you spend regular time with an asthmatic you should discuss
the situation with your friend. First agree on a gesture that
will alert you to start of a server asthma attack. Next be sure
you know what medications should be administered and where those
medications are kept.
With some simple planning asthma can be controlled in a calm,
rational manner. That planning leads to a very normal life for
the sufferer.