When you have asthma, any upper respiratory infection — like a cold or the flu — can affect your lungs, causing inflammation and airway narrowing. It is important to take measures to stay healthy and be aware of any asthma symptoms, even mild, so that you avoid a more serious asthma attack.

Call your doctor if you experience any of the warning symptoms of a possible infection that can trigger an asthma attack (listed below). Also call your doctor if you have any other symptoms of an asthma attack that cause concern.

• Increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
• Coughing up increased amounts of mucus
• Abnormally colored mucus
• Fever (temperature over 101°F) or chills
• Increased fatigue or weakness
• Sore throat, scratchy throat, or pain when swallowing
• Sinus pressure or drainage, nasal congestion, or headaches

• Good hygiene can decrease viral infections. Prevent the spread of infection by making sure you and your family members wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water.
• Check with your health care provider about receiving a flu shot every year. In addition, discuss the possibility of getting a pneumococcus — or pneumonia — vaccine. Pneumococcus is a common cause of bacterial pneumonia, an illness that can be particularly serious in a person with asthma. Depending on your age and any risk factors you may have, you may need two different types of pneumonia vaccines.
• Sinusitis with asthma can be very serious. Be aware of the symptoms of a sinus infection and report them immediately to your asthma specialist to prevent asthma attacks.
• Keep breathing equipment clean. Do not let others use your asthma medications or asthma treatment, including your asthma
  

  What Do I Do If I Have an Infection?

  If you have asthma and are showing signs of an infection, call your doctor immediately for advice on preventing asthma symptoms.

  Aspirin and Other Drugs That May Trigger Asthma

  Many people with asthma have sensitivities to certain drugs that can precipitate an asthma attack . If you have asthma, you need to be aware of which medications may be triggers. You do not need to avoid these medications unless you know they are asthma triggers for you. If these medications have never triggered your asthma, it is still best to take the medications with caution because a reaction can occur at any time.

  Below is a list of the most common medications known to trigger symptoms of asthma. However, if you are prescribed any medication that you think may be causing your asthma to worsen, discuss it with your doctor.

  Aspirin and other painkillers. Approximately 10% to 20% of adults with asthma have sensitivity to aspirin or a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — or NSAIDS — such as ibuprofen ( Motrin ,Advil) and naproxen ( Aleve , Naprosyn ). These drugs are frequently used to treat pain and reduce fevers.

  Asthma attacks caused by any of these medications can be severe and even fatal, so these drugs must be completely avoided in people who have knownaspirin sensitive asthma. Products with acetaminophen such as Tylenol are considered a safer alternative for people known to have aspirin-sensitive asthma; however, some studies have linked asthma to use of acetaminophen in some people. It is important that people with aspirin sensitivity read labels of all over-the-counter drugs used to treat pain, coldsand flu, and fever. Also inform your doctor so that these medications are not prescribed for you. If you have any questions whether a certain medication could trigger your asthma, seek advice from your health careprovider.

  Aspirin Sensitivity, Asthma, and Nasal Polyps. Some people with asthma cannot take aspirin or NSAIDs because of what’s known as Samter’s triad — a combination of asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are small growths that form inside the nasal cavity.