As the winter months are approaching, people with asthma may notice their symptoms becoming more difficult to control. Cold air can be a potent asthma trigger, causing coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Understanding how to manage symptoms during the winter months might help you breathe easier and stay healthier.
Managing Asthma in winter months
Asthma flare up can be prevented during cold weather by using the appropriate techniques. Here are some tips that can help in preventing and managing asthma flare up.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose: You can help warm the air before it enters your lungs by covering your mouth and nose with a scarf or mask. This can lessen the chance of tightness of the airways.
Stay indoors: When the temperature drops extremely low, it can be advisable to stay inside because the air is warmer and less prone to cause symptoms. Try to spend as little time outside as possible if you must.
Warm up Indoors before Exercising Outdoors: If you enjoy outdoor activities, warm up indoors before heading out. This can help prevent sudden exposure to cold air and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
Use a humidifier: Since cold air can irritate the airways because it is frequently dry. By adding moisture to the indoor air, a humidifier can assist maintain a pleasant respiratory system. Just keep in mind to clean the humidifier frequently to avoid bacterial and mould growth.
Take Preventive Medication: Even if you feel well, take your prescription drugs as directed if you use a preventive inhaler or other medication. Additionally, you might want to talk to your doctor about whether you need to change how much medication you take in the winter.
Avoid Indoor Allergens: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter and clean your house frequently to keep it free of mould, dust, and pet dander. Dust mites can also be decreased by washing bed linens once a week in hot water.
Get Vaccinated: People with asthma may experience serious respiratory infections, such as the flu or pneumonia. A pneumococcal vaccine and a flu injection can help lower the chance of getting sick and exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water since cold air can dehydrate you, which can cause mucus to thicken and make it more difficult to clear your airways. Water consumption lowers the likelihood of congestion and keeps mucus thin.
Prepare for Emergencies: Have a current asthma action plan that specifies what to do in the event that symptoms increase, and always carry your quick-relief inhaler, also known as a rescue inhaler. Give this plan to friends or relatives who could need assistance in an emergency.
Seek Medical Help
See your doctor if you have trouble controlling your asthma symptoms or if cold weather significantly exacerbates your symptoms. Severe symptoms of an asthma attack, such as rapid breathing, chest pain, difficulty speaking in complete phrases, or blue lips, need to be treated very away.
IN CONCLUSION:
Cold weather does not have to cause months of trouble for asthmatics. You can reduce the effects of cold air on your respiratory health by taking the necessary precautions and using effective management approaches. Staying warm, avoiding triggers, and sticking to your asthma action plan will help you have a healthier winter and lower the likelihood of asthma flare-ups. If you reside in a harsh winter area, talk to your doctor about long-term possibilities. Changing drugs seasonally, trying new inhalers, or making certain lifestyle changes may be beneficial. Maintaining good respiratory health year-round might help your body deal with seasonal problems more smoothly.
If you have any questions about managing asthma in winter, reach out to The Chest Clinic, schedule your appointment, so our team can help you in providing relieve to your symptoms.