Managing Asthma During the Winter

Posted on December 9, 2020

Brrr! It’s cold out there. And that can be a problem when you have asthma. The reason? Cold, dry air can irritate the breathing tubes in your lungs, which may trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

If your asthma often gets worse in winter, you can reduce your symptoms by following these tips from the American Lung Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:

• Keep an eye on weather forecasts when planning exercise or other outdoors activities. If it’s going to be very cold, try to move your activities indoors where it’s warmer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask when you do go outside. This will warm the air you breathe in before it enters your lungs so that it’s less likely to trigger your asthma. It will also help if you practice breathing in through your nose and out your mouth.
• Take your asthma medicines just as directed. This includes any daily controller medicines your doctor has prescribed. Keep your quick-relief inhaler with you at all times. Consider using it 20 to 30 minutes before participating in any cold-air activities. And use it right away if your symptoms flare.
• As always, ask your doctor if you have questions about how to keep your asthma in check.

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