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:
- 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.
Winter Advisory: Why Common Cold May Trigger Asthma Attacks was originally published on blackdoctor.org
