Simple Tips To Prevent Severe Asthma Attacks in Cold Weather

Cold winter temperatures can be difficult for people with asthma and a variety of factors contribute to asthma attacks during the winter months. If you're an asthma sufferer it's advisable to talk to your healthcare provider to develop an individualized plan to lessen asthma attacks throughout the winter. Different factors can contribute to worsening asthma symptoms during the cold weather, including triggers in your home and outdoors.

What's the Connection Between Cold Weather and Asthma Attacks?

Certain triggers cause the bronchial tubes to become inflamed and swell in people who have asthma. These triggers can make it very difficult to breathe. Studies have indicated that hospitals admit more patients with asthma-related symptoms during the winter months. Several factors may contribute to the reason more people get sick during the winter since respiratory illnesses, colds, and flu circulate more often in the winter, causing the airways to get inflamed. When a person with asthma breathes dry, cold air, muscles start to spasm to keep the airway open. The airway gets further irritated, which can cause coughing spells shortness of breath, and wheezing. Asthma attacks often occur in the winter when it's cold and the air is dry. Symptoms may get worse when there are windy conditions.

According to the American Lung Association, when the weather is cold people usually spend more time indoors where they come into contact with more allergens like pet dander, mold, and dust. Allergens can trigger asthma attacks. Cold weather asthma symptoms are no different from asthma that's caused by other triggers, including wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, or shortness of breath. Even if you live in a climate that usually experiences mild weather, winter may bring fluctuations in the air pressure, dry, cold air, wind, snow, and rain. Windy or rainy weather may stir up mold spores. Changes in the barometric pressure can trigger sinus problems. Another factor is histamine production, which increases during an allergic reaction, especially in cold weather. Histamine can lead to breathing problems including difficulty breathing and wheezing.

Is Exercise-Induced Asthma a Real Problem?

It is more difficult for everyone to get sufficient exercise when the weather is cold. The freezing temperatures are especially hard on anyone who has chronic respiratory problems, including asthma. Breathing through your nose may be easier on the body. However, the cold weather often forces some people to breathe through their mouths to get sufficient air. When you breathe through your mouth, the cold air goes directly into the airway, which causes the mucus that lines the bronchial tubes to get dried out. If you like to ski, ice skate, or go on a run in the cold weather, it's a good idea to do a warmup with stretching exercises or a treadmill before you venture outdoors. The warmup can be especially helpful for people with asthma.

If you're experiencing some asthma symptoms, it's a good idea to limit your outdoor exercise. An alternative plan is to work out at home or the gym. You should wear a scarf when you're outdoors and use it to warm the air you're breathing.

Use humidifiers at home and keep them free of mold to prevent any problems. Make it a practice to wash your hands frequently, using warm water and soap or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds. Keep your hands away from your eyes and face to avoid spreading germs. Keep up-to-date with your flu and COVID vaccines.

Keep your home dry and cool to inhibit the growth of dust mites and mold, especially if they're triggers or your asthma symptoms. Clean and replace filters in cooling and heating air ducts. Have them cleaned at the start of every heating and cooling season. Check your indoor air quality periodically.

Every person with asthma is different and symptoms can vary considerably. If cold weather is a trigger, treat it like you would any other asthma flare-up. Stay inside on the very coldest days and wear a mask or scarf if you have to go outside. It's important to take care of your health to avoid a flare-up.

During cold and flu season, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions about medications. If your doctor prescribes an inhaler, it's important to use it as directed. Humidify the air inside your home to make it most comfortable to breathe. You should always follow your doctor's instructions even if you feel well. You should make sure your prescriptions are all up-to-date and make sure to refill them when you need them. It's a good idea to keep a notebook about your symptoms and any changes. Your doctor may want to make changes to your treatment plan.

Preventive Measures To Protect From Asthma Flare-Ups

Try to avoid crowded situations as much as possible. A mask is always a good precaution during cold and flu season. If you have asthma, try to stay indoors as much as possible in extremely cold weather, especially if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It's essential to stay hydrated since fluid can thin mucus in the lungs, and make it easier to breathe. Warm drinks like tea or coffee can loosen mucus, too. Make sure to dust and vacuum frequently to get rid of allergens. Always make sure to have your medications and nebulizer nearby in case you need them.

There's no guarantee that you won't have an asthma attack during the cold weather. However, by following these tips the chances of a severe attack are decreased. If you plan to be outdoors make sure to use your inhaler for 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise to open your airways and breathe easier.