Allergist named dangerous asthma triggers in winter

Humidity, mold, and household dust are becoming the main triggers of asthma exacerbations in children during the cold season. Yuri Smolkin, MD, Professor of the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology at the Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution FNCC of the Russian Federation, President of the ADAIR, told Izvestia on November 17 about the hidden risks of the metropolis in late autumn and winter.

"High humidity combined with fallen leaves creates an ideal breeding ground for microscopic mold fungi, whose spores are a powerful allergen. In addition, with the beginning of the heating season, household dust with mites circulates in apartments, and frequent precipitation forces children to spend more time in closed, sometimes poorly ventilated rooms where the concentration of allergens is much higher," the doctor explained.

He noted that the cold outdoor air itself can provoke bronchospasm and worsen coughing. And at home, dust mites, animal hair, and household chemical particles become the main source of allergens. Regular ventilation, the use of air purifiers and humidity control help maintain a comfortable microclimate.

According to Smolkin, viral infections that actively circulate in winter additionally damage the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and worsen the symptoms. Parents often do not associate the increased frequency of coughing or wheezing in a child with a change in season, which leads to a late request for medical help.

"The most serious mistakes are trying to endure an exacerbation or being afraid of medications prescribed by a doctor. Today, it is possible not only to relieve asthma symptoms, but to keep the disease under control. We are talking about modern inhaled glucocorticosteroids (IGCS)," the specialist said.

He also recommended that parents pay attention to nighttime coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing, discuss changes in the child's condition with the doctor in a timely manner and adjust therapy. According to the expert, the right treatment allows children with asthma to lead a full life in any season.

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On October 31, the journal Medical Xpress reported that improved ventilation systems can significantly improve indoor air quality and make breathing easier for people suffering from asthma. During the study, three types of ventilation systems were installed in homes: improved exhaust fans in the bathroom, air supply systems connected to central heating and cooling systems, as well as energy recovery devices that continuously exchanged air inside and outside. All systems demonstrated improvements in air quality and asthma symptoms, but the highest results were recorded in homes with energy recovery systems.

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