When a common cold strikes, individuals who manage respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often face a dilemma. Cold symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough, can complicate pre-existing breathing challenges. Many wonder whether their usual inhaler regimen should continue or be adjusted. Colds can worsen respiratory symptoms, making it important to understand how to manage both.
Why Colds Affect Respiratory Conditions
Common cold viruses, primarily rhinoviruses, can irritate airways and lungs, worsening symptoms in people with respiratory conditions. These viruses instigate an inflammatory response within the respiratory tract, from the nose and throat to the bronchial tubes. This inflammation can narrow and sensitize airways, a phenomenon known as bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
The viral presence also increases mucus production, which can thicken, obstructing airflow. This combination of inflammation, airway narrowing, and increased mucus contributes to cold symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Respiratory infections frequently trigger acute exacerbations in asthma and COPD, leading to more severe symptoms and longer recovery times.
Understanding Your Inhaler Types
Navigating inhaler use during a cold involves understanding different inhaler types and their roles. The two primary categories are reliever (or rescue) inhalers and preventer (or maintenance) inhalers.
Reliever inhalers, such as albuterol, quickly relax airway muscles, providing immediate relief from wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Use these more frequently if cold symptoms trigger acute breathing difficulties. Effects typically last four to six hours.
Preventer inhalers, commonly containing corticosteroids, reduce lung inflammation over time. Used daily, they control underlying inflammation and prevent symptoms, rather than providing immediate relief. Even with a cold, continue using preventer inhalers as prescribed. Stopping them could worsen chronic inflammation, making cold-induced respiratory symptoms harder to manage and increasing flare-up risk. During a cold, continue both types of inhalers, with increased use of reliever inhalers as needed.
When to Seek Medical Help
While managing cold symptoms at home is possible, certain warning signs indicate a cold is escalating into a serious respiratory issue needing immediate medical attention.
Severe shortness of breath not improving after using a reliever inhaler is a sign. Other concerning symptoms include persistent chest pain or tightness, or bluish discoloration of lips, face, or fingernails, indicating lack of oxygen.
A high fever, a persistent or worsening cough, or inability to speak in full sentences due to breathlessness warrant prompt medical consultation. Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or a rapid pulse rate can signal a severe asthma attack or COPD exacerbation. If these symptoms appear, especially if they do not respond to usual medication, seek emergency medical care.
Managing Cold Symptoms with a Respiratory Condition
Beyond regular inhaler use, several strategies can help manage cold symptoms with a respiratory condition. Getting adequate rest allows the body to conserve energy and heal. Staying hydrated by drinking fluids like water, juice, or clear broth helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from airways. Avoiding dehydrating beverages like caffeine and alcohol is beneficial.
Using saline nasal sprays or rinses can relieve nasal congestion and clear viral particles. A cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, easing stuffiness and coughing, but keep humidifiers clean to prevent mold growth. Avoiding irritants such as smoke, strong odors, and extreme temperatures can minimize airway irritation. Over-the-counter cold remedies might offer symptom relief, but check with a doctor or pharmacist for potential interactions with existing medications, as some cold medicines can affect heart rate or blood pressure, especially when combined with bronchodilators like albuterol. These measures complement, rather than replace, prescribed inhaler use and medical advice.