Asthma and colds thrive in damp conditions People living in damp conditions are twice as likely to suffer asthma attacks and risk four or more colds a year, according to new research. In a study published in Thorax, scientists from the Turku University in Finland sent questionnaires to more than 10,000 first-year students about their living conditions, levels of asthma, allergy and respiratory infections.The students were asked to assess the degree learning about asthma learning about asthma of damp in their living quarters by recording evidence of mould, water stains and water damage during the past 12 months.Other factors that can affect asthma, such as smoking, pets and wall-to-wall carpeting, were also taken into account.Evidence of damp was reported in 15 per cent of homes, and the prevalence of asthma was twice as high in these conditions.Students living in damp houses were also more likely to have had at least 10 days of asthma exercises learning about asthma antibiotic treatment in the past year than those living in dry conditions. Other allergic reactions, such as hay fever and eczema, were also associated with living in a damp, mouldy environment. Those with a family history of asthma and allergies were most at risk from all forms of irritation.The likelihood of having four or more colds during the year was almost 50 per cent higher in damp homes where there was evidence of mould. The authors asthmas learning about asthma said, "Moulds invoke inflammatory responses when inhaled, and they also produce volatile compounds, which could explain the increased susceptibility to colds."A spokesperson for the National Asthma Campaign said damp, mouldy conditions allowed asthma to flourish. "The spores in mould can become airborne and trigger asthma symptoms. We advise all asthmatics not to live in damp housing and to keep rooms well aired. It's also a good idea to reduce condensation because in a humid warm environment, asthma children treatment learning about asthma house mites thrive."
