Some people catching the respiratory bug going around are having a tough time shaking it. That's because people with asthma often can't take antihistamines that will dry out their mucus membranes.
Nurse Practitioner Linda Bowers with McLaren Greater Lansing DeWitt Family Medicine has been treating patients with asthma symptoms.
The chronic disease of the airways causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Some patients even have pain when breathing.
Doctors recommend staying away from common asthma triggers including second-hand smoke, pet dander and pollen. Dramatic weather changes can also trigger an attack. The same goes for exercising in cold air.
Staying hydrated can really help prevent asthma attacks. Dehydration can make things worse because it dries out the mucus membranes like the one in your lungs. Antihistamines can have the same effect.
Doctors recommend all asthma patients follow their prescribed treatment regimen and keep their rescue inhaler handy.
