If you are ever in a motor vehicle accident, you are likely to be appreciative of your car’s airbags. After all, when airbags deploy properly, they provide a cushion-like barrier between your body and the hard surfaces of your car. These innovative safety features may make the difference between surviving and dying in a car crash.
As a person with asthma, you probably know what your triggers are. Still, because you have not been through many car accidents in your life, you just may not know whether your airbag may cause you to have restricted breathing. Unfortunately, your vehicle’s airbag may trigger a serious asthma attack.
Asthma
Asthma is a potentially serious medical condition that has two components. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, environmental triggers first cause tiny airways in your lungs to become even smaller. At the same time or shortly thereafter, your lungs produce excess mucus, further restricting the flow of air into and out of your lungs.
Airbags
If you have had asthma for some time, you may know to avoid pollen, smoke, fragrances, pet dander and other common environmental triggers. You may not realize, however, that your car’s airbags have chemicals and byproducts that may irritate your lungs. Alarmingly, even the stress of an airbag’s deployment may increase your chances of having a potentially deadly asthma attack.
Your health
You simply cannot further risk your health after a car accident by ignoring the warning signs of a possible asthma attack. Ultimately, if you experience breathlessness, wheezing, coughing or chest tightness after an airbag deploys, it is critical to go to the emergency room for immediate medical treatment.
