How to Handle Asthma in the Winter Archives

Cold Air and Asthma in Winter: Cold weather is a common Asthma trigger. For many people who have asthma, the winter months can be particularly harmful. A person with Asthma has a certain amount of inflammation in these airways all the time. As a result of inflammation, they constrict and obstruct airflow to the lungs. That’s why breathing becomes more difficult for those who have asthma, even when they’re not experiencing a flare-up. Changes in weather and fluctuations in temperature are known to inflame airways and trigger Asthma flares. In those with pre-existing bronchial tube inflammation, the effects of cold weather on breathing can be severe. Dr. Sheetu Singh is a seasoned and compassionate guide for Asthma Management, particularly during the challenging winter season. Her guidance is centered on evidence-based methods and includes specific techniques to reduce triggers and enhance lung health.

Is Asthma Triggered by Cold Air?

The muscles in the airways of an asthmatic may spasm when they breathe in cold, dry air, despite the airway being forced open. This further irritates the lining of the airways and causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms and flare-ups can be brought on by cold air, especially when the air is dry. The dryness of cold air can cause breathing issues for a lot of asthmatics. Cold air accompanied by windy conditions can also trigger symptoms. Dr. Sheetu Singh emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as ensuring proper inhaler use, staying indoors during peak pollution hours, and maintaining a warm and humidified environment.

What are Cold Weather – Induced Asthma Symptoms?

The symptoms of asthma brought on by other factors are the same during cold weather. Asthma symptoms include:

Coughing, whether dry or with phlegm.
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing especially when breathing out.
Tightness in your chest.

Why is Cold Weather Hard on People with Asthma?

Wild Weather: Winter frequently brings cold, dry air, snow, rain, wind, and variations in air pressure, even for those in mild climates. Changes in barometric pressure can cause sinusitis, and mold spores can be stirred up by windy and rainy weather. These may also trigger exacerbations of Asthma.
Illnesses: Flu, colds, and viruses are common in winter and can lead to more inflammation of your airways. These diseases cause the bronchial tube mucus to thicken, which makes breathing more difficult. This can worsen symptoms or cause Asthma flare-ups.
Time Spent Indoors: You might stay indoors longer in the cold by keeping the windows closed and turning on the heat. Additionally, you can be more susceptible to respiratory infections, irritants, and allergies indoors. For example, you could be at risk for an Asthma flare if your symptoms are triggered by mold or dander, dust, or cigarette smoke if there’s a smoker in the house.

Can Cold Air Cause an Asthma Attack?

You could have an asthma attack in the winter if you have severe asthma and the cold weather triggers your symptoms. Consult your Asthma action plan to manage Asthma in cold weather. Always get medical help if your symptoms get worse. To keep cold air from causing an Asthma flare:

Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the air before inhaling it.
As soon as symptoms appear, use a short-acting albuterol inhaler to prevent asthma attacks from getting worse.
Stay inside as often as you can. You can assist your airways open up by breathing in warmer air. Just make sure you’re in an area free of irritants and allergens indoors.
If you experience symptoms frequently in cold weather, talk with your doctor about a long-term treatment plan.

Is Exercise-Induced Asthma in Cold Weather Real?

It is undoubtedly more difficult to work out outside in the cold. Not only those who have Asthma, but everyone may relate to this. In colder climates, breathing through your nose might be less taxing on your body, but exercising frequently necessitates breathing through your mouth to take in more air. Breathing through your mouth brings the cold, dry air straight to your airways. The air in those bronchial tubes permits the mucus coating them to dry out. This can make symptoms worse or trigger a flare-up of Asthma. If you prefer to exercise outside, or you enjoy Skiing or ice skating, try doing a warm-up before leaving the house.

In case you suffer from exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), your physician can advise using a short-acting albuterol inhaler for 15 to 20 minutes before engaging in physical activity. This pre-treats your airways so they are better prepared for physical activity and cold weather.

How to Handle Asthma in the Winter

When the cold weather aggravates your asthma, what can you do to reduce symptoms?

Wear a scarf and use it to warm the air you’re breathing.
Limit outdoor exercise. Work out at home or in the gym.
Put humidifiers to use in your house. Make sure they don’t grow mold.
Wash hands frequently. Washing with soap for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer while out can keep winter illnesses at bay.
Be conscious of your hands. Keep them away from your eyes and face to avoid spreading germs.
Obtain the flu shot in the early fall. Remain current with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Limit time with pets if you’re allergic to pet dander. Keep your bedroom pet-free.
If mold and dust mites aggravate your symptoms, keep your house dry and cool to prevent their growth.

Is Cold Air Good for Asthma?

Most persons who have asthma should avoid cold air because it irritates their bronchial tubes and exacerbates their symptoms. If you have Asthma, it may be best for you to stay indoors as much as possible during cold winter weather. Incorporate HEPA filters into your ventilation systems and keep an eye on the quality of the air indoors. Keep an eye out for any indications of mold and get rid of it right away. Install dust mite-proof pillows and mattress covers in your bedding. To assist in clearing the air within your home of pet dander and other allergens, think about purchasing an air purifier or air cleaner.

Modern homes have better insulations and windows. They better retain heat and are less drafty. However, this implies that carpets, drapes, furniture, and bedding can retain moisture, which promotes the growth of dust mites. Use dehumidifiers and maintain your home’s humidity below 50% to help prevent the growth of dust mites. When the weather allows, open your windows for one hour per day to reduce humidity in the house.

Winter Asthma Symptoms and Treatment: Asthma attacks may be more common in the winter for many people. In the winter, people with asthma face two challenges. One difference is that they spend more time indoors. The other factor is the ‘cold weather’.

Indoors, you take in asthma triggers including mold, pet dander, dust mites, and even hearth fires. When you go outside, the cold air could trigger an asthma attack.

Several treatments and preventive practices can assist a person with asthma reduce the impact of chilly air.

This article explains why cold weather can aggravate asthma symptoms and how to identify when symptoms are triggered.

Does Cold Weather Impact Asthma?

When an asthmatic inhales cold, dry air, the muscles inside the lungs begin to spasm in an attempt to keep the airways open. This irritates the airway lining, leading in wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Many asthmatics have difficulty breathing due to the dryness of cold air. Symptoms may also be caused by cold air paired with windy conditions. The severity of your asthma increases your chances of being affected by cold air.

Connection Between Asthma and Heart Attack

Asthmatic airways (bronchial tubes) expand and become irritated in reaction to certain stimuli. Swollen airways are narrower and cannot accommodate as much air. As a result, persons with asthma frequently have difficulty catching their breath.

Winter is especially difficult for asthmatics. According to a 2014 Chinese study, hospital admissions for asthma increased over the winter months. In the chilly climate of northern Finland, up to 82 percent of asthmatics experienced shortness of breath when exercising in cold weather.

When you exercise, your body requires extra oxygen, therefore your breathing rate increases. To take in more air, you frequently breathe through your mouth. While blood vessels in your nose warm and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs, air that passes directly through your mouth is chilly and dry.

Exercising outside in chilly weather forces cold air into your airways quickly. It also seems to enhance your chances of getting an asthma episode. What exactly is it about chilly air that causes asthma symptoms?

How Asthma Symptoms Get Affected by Cold Weather?

The cold air is dry

A thin film of fluid lines your airways. When you breathe dry air, the fluid in your lungs evaporates quicker than it can be restored. Asthma symptoms develop as dry airways become inflamed and swollen.

Cold air also triggers your airways to generate histamine, the same chemical your body produces during an allergic attack. Wheezing and other asthma symptoms are exacerbated by histamine.

The cold promotes mucus production

Your airways are also lined with a layer of protective mucus, which aids in the removal of harmful particles. Your body creates more mucus in cold temperatures, but it is thicker and stickier than usual. The additional mucus increases your chances of getting a cold or another infection.

You Get Sick and Prevent Outsides during Winters

During the winter, colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses are more common. These infections have also been linked to an increase in asthma symptoms.

Cold air can also cause you to stay indoors, where dust, mold, and pet dander thrive. Some people develop asthma symptoms when exposed to these allergens.

How to Manage Asthma in Cold Weather?

If a person has an asthma attack brought on by cold weather, they should use their short-acting inhaler first to loosen and open up the airways.

This inhaler often contains albuterol, a beta agonist. If a person is going outside in cooler weather, they should always bring their inhaler with them.

Next, a person suffering from cold-induced asthma should try to get to a warmer environment as soon as feasible.

After several minutes of breathing in warmer air, the airways should begin to open up and symptoms should subside swiftly.

If a person has these symptoms on a frequent basis, they should consult their doctor. Long-term therapy, such as a long-acting bronchodilator, may be prescribed by the doctor.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is the medical name for when exercise causes asthma symptoms. A doctor may also give leukotriene receptor inhibitors to decrease this impact.

Working to control symptoms and minimize the amount of attacks for anyone with asthma can help prevent symptoms from developing in cold weather.

Consult Dr. Sheetu Singh

You must know that, Doctor Sheetu Singh is one best pulmonologist and allergist to treat your problems. She is experienced, and even has proof with records of healthy lives built by her incredible treatment. Consult with her, and don’t let asthma affect your life anymore.

Why Asthma is Worse in Winter: For Asthma sufferers, winter can be the most difficult time of the year. Sudden changes in the weather and dry, cold air can irritate your respiratory tract, leading to an increase in mucus production. Being inside doesn’t always help because staying inside might exacerbate respiratory conditions like the flu and colds. All things considered, the winter months may be a formula for asthma flare-ups, resulting in excruciating symptoms that may spiral out of hand.

Most Asthma sufferers know exactly what their triggers are- illness, environmental allergies, or temperature changes, and many report their symptoms ramp up during the winter months. You don’t have to endure through the entire season, though. Learn about easy things you may do to prevent your symptoms when the weather becomes cold. If you ever need immediate care, simply consult with Dr. Sheetu Singh, she trained to evaluate and treat Asthma attacks in both children and adults.

Why is Asthma Worse in the Colder Months?

There are several reasons why wintertime asthma symptoms could worsen. It’s likely due to one or more of the following:

Dry Outside Air: Your lungs airways are shielded by a liquid layer. The fluid layer evaporating in the cold air causes irritation and inflammation in your airways.
Respiratory Illness: Your airways also have a protective layer of mucus. This coating of mucus can thicken in the cold, increasing your risk of respiratory infections such as the flu or common cold. These infections may lead to swelling and irritation of your airways, which trigger Asthma symptoms.
Exercise: A walk in the park is healthy, right? Yes, but activity demands a larger capacity for the lungs. Breathing in cold air while walking can cause constriction of your airways, leading to symptoms like dyspnea and cough.

Why is Winter Worse for Those with Asthma?

Cold weather is a typical and well-known trigger for Asthma. For someone with asthma, breathing in dry, cold air will irritate their lung lining and result in spasms. Additionally, the lungs and nasal cavities create more mucus in cold air, which results in coughing and the formation of phlegm. Furthermore, wintertime usually means an increase in respiratory viruses, all of which can be asthma triggers. Additionally, asthmatic patients have been particularly heavily struck by the rise in COVID-19, RSV, flu, and common cold infections this year. While it might seem like staying inside is the answer, that is a short-term solution. You are exposed to more allergens than you realize indoors from mold, dust mites, and dampness to dry, forced air from heating systems and pet allergens.

Are Asthma Symptoms Different in the Winter than in Other Months?

The symptoms of asthma throughout the winter are identical to those during the summer. The distinction is that during the winter, you might notice that the symptoms are worse than normal, harder to manage, or happen more frequently. Look for:

Coughing.
Chest Pain.
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing.
Tightness in the chest.

What are the Some Tips on Preventing Asthma Attacks Triggered by Cold Weather?

If you have asthma, you are already aware that the best course of action is preventive. Go back to the basics:

To stay hydrated, consume lots of water, broth-based soups, and decaffeinated tea.
Wash your hands often in water and soap to prevent respiratory illnesses such as the flu or cold.
Dress warmly when you go out. Keep gloves, a scarf, and an extra jacket in your vehicle just in case.
When you’re outside, inhale via your nose. The air is warmed by your nasal passages before entering your lungs.
Get the flu vaccine, which will lower your risk of getting this year flu.
Always keep your inhaler close at hand.
If you typically work out outside, look for other places to work out. Verify that there is adequate air circulation in the area where you exercise.
When not in use, attempt to keep any indoor fireplaces empty. Stay away from outdoor firepits or take a comfortable seat away.
Use a humidifier indoors, especially at night when you sleep.
Do not skip your daily dose, or keep up with your Asthma medications and refill them.

What Type of Treatments may be Given for Uncontrolled Asthma Symptoms?

You could have additional symptoms like anxiety, a racing heartbeat, and rapid breathing while your asthma is at its worst. You may be given treatments such as Bronchodilators and oxygen therapy. These are medications that facilitate better breathing and widen airways. Steroids might also be administered to you to reduce the inflammation in your airways.

Are There More Advanced Treatments for Severe Uncontrolled Asthma Symptoms?

Biologics are medications used in advanced asthma therapies that are derived from natural sources. These drugs help by reducing your body’s reaction to Asthma triggers and controlling inflammation. Bronchial Thermoplasty can be a possibility if steroids or other treatments are not working to control your asthma. Dr. Sheetu Singh uses an electrode to heat the inside of your airways. This process helps relax the airways to assist you in breathing more easier.

5 Ways to Avoid Asthma Attacks During Cold Weather

If you live on the East Coast and have asthma, you probably already know how the cold affects your asthma symptoms. The daytime highs in Connecticut are often around 30°F, making winters there somewhat cold.

Understanding Cold Weather and Asthma Symptoms: Asthma sufferers have sensitive bronchial tubes that are stimulated by several stimuli, including cold air. When the outdoor temperature drops and you inhale cold air, it can irritate the lining of your airways and cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Winter is a more likely season to cause flare-ups for asthmatic individuals than other seasons.
Limit Indoor Triggers: Asthma sufferers face not only the actual cold but also the added challenge of spending more time indoors throughout the winter. If you suffer from indoor allergies, take preventative measures in advance of winter, such as installing HEPA filters to reduce allergens in your house or, if you have a dust mite allergy, covering your pillows and mattress with dust mite coverings.
Keep Warm: For individuals with Asthma, winter isn’t the time to leave home undressed. Asthma flare-ups can be prevented by staying warm. Depending on the outside temperature, it makes sense to bundle up. During winter months, wear a scarf, hat, warm coat, and gloves. Wearing a mask or scarf over your mouth and nose can also be helpful.
Avoid Mouth Breathing: Some people have a propensity to breath via their mouths. But when it’s cold outside, you must breathe through your nose if you have asthma. Breathing through your mouth during cold weather allows the cold air to rush into your lungs, which can trigger an Asthma attack. The nasal cavity’s structures warm and humidify the air as it passes through when you breathe in via your nostrils.
Follow a Winter Asthma Management Plan: The best way to manage your asthma during the winter months is to be prepared. Create a winter asthma plan in close collaboration with your provider. In addition to following your winter Asthma plan, it’s also a good idea to have regular checkups.

Cold Air and Asthma in Winter – Winter Asthma