• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Asthma / Winter Advisory: Why Common Cold May Trigger Asthma Attacks

Winter Advisory: Why Common Cold May Trigger Asthma Attacks

woman winter coat

According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, 44,000 people have an asthma attack every day in the U.S. For African Americans, we are three times more likely to be hospitalized for and well as die from asthma attacks. While environmental triggers like smoke and pollen are common culprits, during the winter months there’s a potentially life-threatening trigger that’s almost unavoidable: the common cold.  The World Health Organization (WHO) cites that 80-90% of attacks are caused by rhinoviruses, the same infections of the airways that are the main cause of colds.

Until now, it’s been unclear how a simple cold could trigger severe asthma attacks, but scientists in the UK may have found the answer: the IL-25 molecule.

“Our research has shown for the first time that the cells that line the airways of asthmatics are more prone to producing a small molecule called IL-25, which then appears to trigger a chain of events that causes attacks,” said Dr. Nathan Bartlett,  joint lead author of the study and honorary lecturer at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, according to a report from Medical News Today .

He added, “By targeting this molecule at the top of the cascade, we could potentially discover a much-needed new treatment to control this potentially life-threatening reaction in asthma sufferers.”

You May Also Like
7 Proven Ways to Cure an Upset Stomach

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE!

The study, published in the October 1 issue of Science Translational Medicine, examined cells taken from the lungs of people with asthma and from healthy volunteers. Researchers found that when cells were infected with a rhinovirus, the cells from people with asthma had 10 times more IL-25 cytokines than the cells from the healthy group.

An IL-25 blocker tested successfully on mice and the next step is to attempt blocking IL-25 in humans. “Excitingly, this research, although still at an early stage, could potentially lead to the development of new medicines to prevent life-threatening asthma attacks,” said Dr. Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK.

In the meantime, keep these tips in mind if you have asthma and find yourself battling a cold or the flu:

You May Also Like
How One Woman Eliminated 50 Fibroids without Surgery!
  • Practice self-care: Stay home and rest! Give yourself plenty of fluids to keep your nasal passages moist and to help expel mucus.
  • Monitor your symptoms:  Are you wheezing, coughing or feel tightness in your chest? You may need to call your doctor to advise if you need to use asthma rescue medications.
  • Use a peak flow meter: See how well your asthma is being controlled by using your peak flow meter.

 

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Asthma center for more articles. 

 

October 15, 2014 by Gwendolyn Harris

Read Next Article

The Latest In Asthma

gas stoves asthma

Can Gas Stoves Cause Asthma?

Gas stoves can potentially cause asthma symptoms in some individuals, particularly those with pre-existing asthma or other respiratory conditions. The combustion of natural gas or propane in gas stoves produces emissions, including nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can irritate read more about Can Gas Stoves Cause Asthma?
Black owned hospitals

One Of The Oldest Black-Run Hospitals In Houston Gets A Face-Lift

Years ago, 500 Black-owned hospitals existed in the United States. At the time, Detroit held the most Black-run healthcare systems, having a total of 18 set-up shops. However, historical institutions such as these have ceased to exist in today’s world. read more about One Of The Oldest Black-Run Hospitals In Houston Gets A Face-Lift
Dennis Rodman

Black History of Health: Dennis Rodman

Though Dennis Rodman is now well-known for his stellar basketball career, his high school coach didn’t consider him to have any athletic promise. It wasn’t until college when he’d had a significant growth spurt that he attempted playing basketball again. read more about Black History of Health: Dennis Rodman
RSV season

RSV Season Is Here! Best Ways To Protect You & Your Family

The last four months of the year is always the most eventful time of the year with the drastic dip in the weather due to fall and winter, preparing for the holidays, all the good food you can eat and read more about RSV Season Is Here! Best Ways To Protect You & Your Family
paraffin wax

This Popular Candle Brand Is Filling Your Home With Toxins

The best way to finish off a good deep clean to your humble abode is by lighting a candle. After cleaning your home, the final touches include lighting a nice candle, taking a warm bath or shower, and relaxing for read more about This Popular Candle Brand Is Filling Your Home With Toxins
smartphone

Your Smartphone Is a Haven for Allergens

That smartphone in your hand could be triggering your allergies, a new study by an 18-year-old high school student suggests. A science fair project by Hana Ruran, of Hopkinton, Mass., found that cell phones are often loaded with cat and read more about Your Smartphone Is a Haven for Allergens

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!
  • Monica Calhoun at 51: “Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside”Monica Calhoun at 51: "Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside"
  • Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!
  • John David Washington: “They Tried To Use My Name Against Me”John David Washington: "They Tried To Use My Name Against Me"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.