Why flu is an asthma trigger

Why flu is an asthma trigger

If you have asthma, you probably already know your triggers (and how to avoid them). Triggers are the things that make asthma flare-up, including:

• Cigarette smoke.
• Cleaning chemicals.
• Dust mites.
• Exercise.
• Mold.
• Pet dander.
• Pollen.
• Pollution.

But respiratory infections like the flu are major asthma triggers, too. A respiratory infection, whether it’s the flu or a cold, causes inflammation. And asthma is an inflammatory condition. Together, they deliver an inflammatory onslaught that can cause:

• Shortness of breath.
• Increased mucus and phlegm.
• Coughing.
• Wheezing.
• Chest tightness

“Many viruses can trigger asthma, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses, which cause respiratory infections,” says Dr. Thiruchelvam. “People with asthma can have a more severe illness from the virus. It also takes them longer to recover.”

Maybe you have asthma that’s mild and intermittent. You might think the flu isn’t a big deal. But that’s not the case. “Even if you only use your inhaler occasionally, you’ll still have more flu complications than someone without asthma,” Dr. Thiruchelvam explains. “This can be surprising to people who have mild or intermittent cases.”