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Asthma and H1N1 : A dangerous combination?

by smkovalinsky | October 20, 2009 at 06:54 pm

1090 views | 12 Recommendations | 3 comments

Asthma as a pre-existing condition makes one more vulnerable in the case of swine flu.

Asthmatics need to take special precautions in this season of swine flu pandemic.

(CBS) Asthma is the most common chronic medical condition found among people hospitalized for H1N1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So, if you have asthma, what do you need to know to protect yourself?

CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said people with asthma are at such high risk for H1N1 complications because they are at high risk for respiratory complications.

But why?

Ashton said people who have asthma have lungs that are more susceptible to inflammation. If their lungs are infected with any upper respiratory infection, such as H1N1, they are then more prone to pneumonia and asthma exacerbation, which can turn into more critical health issues, Ashton said.

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patgarcia

at 19:03 on October 20th, 2009

It´s good to know, to take precautions if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

sara star

at 23:21 on October 20th, 2009

It's caused by a contagious virus. H1N1 flu infects the breathing tubes in your nose, throat, and lungs.

sara star

at 23:25 on October 20th, 2009

...steroid drugs people take to control their asthma can suppress their immune system, Ashton said, placing them at greater risk for infection and possibly serious disease by H1N1.