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For the more than 25 million Americans with asthma, frigid temperatures can cause respiratory issues—whether it’s the dead of winter or a snowy spring.
In addition to respiratory infections like colds and the flu, dry, cold air can lead to airway narrowing, which triggers an asthma attack. When you breathe in frosty air through your mouth, it isn’t warmed up in your nasal passages. This inhaled arctic blast travels straight into your lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
RELATED: Asthma statistics | Asthma attack triggers
What is cold-induced asthma?
Cold-induced asthma—sometimes called winter asthma, or cold weather asthma—refers to the respiratory tract irritation from icy temperatures during the winter months. When airways spasm, asthma symptoms are harder to control.
Why does cold air make me cough?
“Cold weather is amongst one of the toughest non-allergen triggers to treat for those that live in cold areas,” says Laren Tan, MD, a pulmonologist at Loma Linda University Health Advanced Lung Disease Center. “Cold air can dry and irritate the airways; as a result, there is increased inflammation of the airways. Inflammation of the airways induced by cold air often leads to increased mucus production and hypersensitivity of the airways. These airway changes then lead to cough, breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness.”
The branch-like airways that bring air to the lungs are called bronchial tubes–they divide into smaller passages called bronchioles, which are attached to tiny air sacs called alveoli. Asthmatics airways don’t function optimally and the lungs can become inflamed. When exposed to a common asthma trigger like cold air, the airways narrow, making it harder to breathe, causing wheezing and asthma attacks.
What’s more, late winter and early spring pollens can travel through the air on windy days, further exacerbating the symptoms of asthma sufferers. “In March, we see tree pollen, and if spring comes early, we see weeds and grasses,” says Karen Berger, Pharm.D., a member of the SingleCare Medical Review Board.
“Allergies and asthma often occur together in a patient, so pollen can make you feel symptoms of both. Your immune system releases chemicals, which can cause nasal congestion or runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and skin reactions, and for some people, this reaction also can affect the lungs and cause symptoms of asthma. Many people can have several asthma triggers, such as pollen, cold weather, medications, or stress.”
Symptoms of cold-induced asthma
Cold air, especially when it’s accompanied by dry or windy conditions, can bring on asthma symptoms, especially if you’re breathing through your mouth. The worse your asthma is in general, the more likely you are to experience asthma flare-ups with symptoms such as:
- A wet or dry cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
The good news? These symptoms usually resolve when it’s warmer.
How to prevent and treat cold-induced asthma
Of course, few can stay inside until summer. The good news is there are preventive measures people with asthma can take to help ease cold weather asthma symptoms during the chilly winter and early spring months. Follow these steps to get a handle on your symptoms this winter season.
1. Focus on breathing through your nose.
That way your airways will be filled with warm air, not cold air that’s breathed through your mouth. If you find you can’t resist mouth-breathing, or will be exerting yourself (by shoveling snow), bundle up by wearing a scarf or face or ski mask over your mouth. This will help ward off potential pollens and warm the air you are breathing in.
2. Consider working out indoors.
If you normally exercise outdoors, consider switching your routine. If you can’t resist jogging around the park, head out during the warmest part of the day.
What’s more, “If you have exercise-induced asthma, your doctor may prescribe an inhaled bronchodilator that contains albuterol, that you will use about 30 minutes before exercising outside,” Dr. Berger says. Wheezing and respiratory distress can be worse when you work out in cold air.
3. Move away from the fireplace.
It’s tempting to stay warm next to a blazing hearth, but you may be exposing your lungs to indoor asthma triggers. Smoke, even when it appears to be escaping up the chimney, can irritate your lungs and trigger asthma symptoms.
4. Asthma-proof your home.
“In the winter, when you are inside,” Dr. Berger says, “you tend to have the windows closed and the heat on, so you are breathing in more triggers such as mold, pet dander, and dust mites.” There are a number of ways you can make your home better for your asthma symptoms. They include:
- Clean the heating system and replace filters regularly.
- Use a humidifier to combat dry air and clean often.
- Wash bedding frequently; change pillowcases nightly; user allergy-proof covers on your bed.
- Eliminate anything with mold, such as wallpaper, carpeting, shower curtains, and bath mats.
5. Bring your inhaler with you.
This goes without saying, but many folks forget theirs, especially when it gets nicer in early spring.
“Carrying your rescue inhaler is recommended, and for those that are on maintenance inhalers, taking them as prescribed and practicing proper inhaler technique is necessary to get the most out of your inhaler,” says Dr. Lan. “If you feel your inhaler is not working and you have not been taught how to properly use your inhaler, ask your medical provider or pharmacist to show you how to use it.” Have an asthma action plan in place, in case your symptoms flare up unexpectedly. If you feel unable to use the inhaler appropriately, you can get a spacer from the pharmacy to help.
6. Discuss treatment with your healthcare provider.
Finally, “talk to your doctor about what medications are best for your asthma symptoms,” says Dr. Berger. “There are many medications available by prescription including pills and inhalers that you can use every day to help prevent symptoms.” Your provider can help you find the best way to control your asthma with rescue or long-term medications.
7. Keep your asthma medication filled.
Like all medications, inhalers expire. They become less effective after their expiration date. SingleCare coupons are available for asthma prescription medicines, including the following:
We all need to breathe to live. The goal of asthma medications is to allow people with asthma to live normal, full lives. With proper treatment, you should breathe easily—no matter the season.
