Harold Dow Cause of Death: Adult-Onset Asthma Killed CBS Newsman, Family Says

By: Aina Hunter
Topics: News ,; Celebrity ,; Disease

Harold Dow. (CBS)

(CBS) Harold Dow, a veteran correspondent for CBS "48 Hours," died suddenly on Saturday behind the wheel of his car.

He was 62.

A family spokesperson issued this statement on the cause of death:

"At the time of Harold's death, he was suffering from adult onset asthma.

On Monday, August 16, 2010, Harold checked himself into the Valley Hospital emergency room in Ridgewood, N.J., for severe asthmatic symptoms.

According to the Hackensack Police Department incident report, an inhaler was found on the floor of Harold's vehicle. Therefore, it is believed at this time that Harold succumbed to an asthma attack while behind the wheel."

Asthma takes the lives of 11 Americans every day, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. That means more than 4,000 deaths due to asthma each year, many of which are avoidable with proper treatment and care.

When asthma symptoms like wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, and frequent coughing - especially at night - appear in adults older than 20, physicians call it adult-onset asthma.

According to WebMD, among those who may be more likely to get adult-onset asthma are:

Women who are having hormonal changes, such as those who are pregnant or who are experiencing menopause
Women who take estrogen following menopause for 10 years or longer
People who have just had certain viruses or illnesses, such as a cold or flu
People with allergies, especially to cats
People who are exposed to environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke, mold, dust, feather beds, or perfume.

Asthma attacks can be frightening for the person experiencing it. Properly using asthma medications, as prescribed by your doctor, is key, in addition to avoiding known triggers.

Dow's career at CBS spanned 40 years. In addition to his stint at "48 Hours," he reported for the "CBS Evening News with Dan Rather" as well as for "CBS News Sunday Morning."

Read more about Dow's life and career.

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by utthofpklmn September 29, 2010 10:35 PM EDT

My condolences to him and his family. I know how it feels to have asthma because I was diagnosed with adult onset asthma 10 years ago. I am 32 years and in college for pre-nursing

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by utthofpklmn September 29, 2010 10:37 PM EDT: I meant to say that I am 32 years old. Sorry for my mistake.


by gialynn September 26, 2010 11:44 PM EDT: I must live under a rock because I just found out about Mr. Dow. How sad! He was one of my favorite correspondants. He was always so compassionate and I always got the feeling that he really cared about the people (victims) he dealt with. My condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Dow.; Reply to this comment


by Sunnyg02 September 6, 2010 9:40 PM EDT: God Speed, Mr. Dow. Rest in Peace.; Reply to this comment

by phillisr August 25, 2010 3:18 PM EDT

I enjoyed Mr. Dow's work and send heartfelt condolences to his wife and family. An asthma attack can be very frightening. It happens to you sometimes without a lot of notice. Before you know it you're coughing uncontrollably, wheezing, shortness of breath and all you can do is try and find your inhaler. I suggest anyone who has asthma keep their inhalers close by at all times. Have a few on hand, one in the car, your purse, extras at home. When it happens, it's frightening and there is not a lot of time to react. Worst case scenario, you end up in an emergency room for immediate help.

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by formrusmcsgt September 6, 2010 8:44 PM EDT: No.

Worst case scenario is you end up in the morgue.


by newsterI September 7, 2010 1:27 AM EDT: Just goes to show how poorly the human body evolved, to where some natural dust, dander or pollen can cause a breathing attack and then DEATH, proof again it was not "designed" by any perfect being!


by Den2Katie August 25, 2010 12:54 AM EDT: In other words, most of his stories had more environmental irritants than we were led to believe? Sound like we need to help LaPook and the rest of the CBS News Medical Team (Ashton, Gupta, even Raviv et al) send a message to be more aware of what we breathe and take preventive measures. Because asthma not only shouldn't take lives away, it shouldn't take a life away from someone who loved his work like Harold Dow did. Godspeed to the Dow family. A CBS Treasure!; Reply to this comment


by HumblyCynt August 24, 2010 2:50 PM EDT: I wish to offer my condolences and prayers to the family of Harold Dow, as well as CBC, for your loss. A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with allergy induced asthma after complications from oxygen loss and a past history of sarcoidosis. I have experienced ?first hand?just how frightening an asthma attack can be and the state of mind one is placed when the lungs are unable to breathe. I pray for peace and comfort during this time of bereavement. With heartfelt sincerity ?; Reply to this comment


by fsmith95 August 23, 2010 8:40 PM EDT: According to the CDC website, there were 3,447 deaths attributed to Asthma. The Asthma 7 Allergy Foundation website rounds that up (improperly) to 4,000, which is where the 11 deaths (10.95) per day comes from.

Going by the CDC stats, it's 9.44 per day. Not a significant difference, in spite of moonman0405's rant.

Rather than "I don't think so", perhaps moonman could learn to to look up stats and do the basic math. Unless, of course, that's simply too much of a challenge.; Reply to this comment

by moonman0405 August 23, 2010 5:42 PM EDT

"Asthma takes the lives of 11 Americans every day" I don't think so. Please get a fact checker or an editor.

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by blueaugust August 23, 2010 6:08 PM EDT: What is the actual statistic Moonman0405?


by newsterI September 7, 2010 1:28 AM EDT: 11 is nothing, an average of 82 die a day on the nation's roads, highways and freeways in auto related accidents.