To most of us winters are a much-needed reprieve from the heat and humidity of the summers. However, with cold winds and dry air, winter can have an intense impact on our airways. To some it could just mean a sore throat and a runny nose, but to those suffering with asthma it can make it harder to control symptoms and manage their condition.
WHY DOES WINTER WORSEN ASTHMA SYMPTOMS?
To begin with, winter comes with quite a few asthma triggers – ranging from mold, dampness, and dust mites to exposure to chest infections as well as cold and flu viruses. Combine these triggers with dry and irritated airways from continuous exposure to cold weather, and you have a recipe for disaster for anyone suffering from asthma. In fact, not only could this combination trigger asthma symptoms, but it can also lead to an attack and newer cases of weather-induced asthma. Cold air causes the production of histamine in the airways, which is the same chemical your body produces during an allergy attack. This reaction can result in exacerbated asthma symptoms like wheezing.
WHAT ARE SOME ASTHMA SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR DURING WINTER SEASON?
Asthma causes the airways to swell and narrow, so when already vulnerable respiratory tracts are exposed to cold, dry air, it can make the airway muscles spasm further. Cold, dry air is a common trigger for most asthmatics and its symptoms present much like it would for any other asthma trigger, this includes – Coughing (could be either dry or with phlegm), wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. In fact, the severity of your response to cold air also depends on the severity of your condition. Therefore, it’s best that you steer clear of excess exposure or try to prepare yourself for the colder months of the year.
COULD THE SEASONAL FLU LEAD TO SEVERE CONDITIONS IN ASTHMATICS?
The seasonal flu is a common characteristic of winter and one of the most critical triggers for asthma symptoms as well as flareups. In fact, if an asthmatic is exposed to the cold and flu viruses that do the rounds during this time of year, they do run the risk of that infection developing into pneumonia. Therefore, a visit to your doctor is the highly advised to treat any infection whether minor or otherwise.
HOW CAN I LOOK AFTER MY ASTHMA IN THE WINTER?
While awareness and avoiding triggers is the first step to preventing symptoms, or exacerbations seeking medical intervention as early as possible is pivotal to managing any respiratory condition. Furthermore, considering that asthma and triggers can change over time it’s important to consult with your doctor to devise the best possible treatment plan. In most cases this could include a combination of rescue and maintenance medications. Rescue medications simply put, are taken as needed, are primarily used for quick relief and as the name suggests – rescues you from a sudden flare-up. Maintenance medication on the other hand is taken daily and prevents potential flareups – it is by far one of the most important treatments for people with asthma.
In addition to that, asthmatics should:
- Adhere to the doctor prescriber maintenance treatment and schedule
- Keep a quick relief inhaler by your side at all time
- Get annual flu vaccinations and regular vaccinations against pneumococcal pneumonia to reduce the risk respiratory tract infections
- Try to stay indoors especially when temperatures drop significantly e.g., late night and early morning
Use a mask and scarf to cover your nose and mouth – it not only helps reduce your exposure to possible infections but also serves as a barrier to direct contact with cold air
ANY OTHER PRECAUTIONARY TIPS?
- Maintaining hygiene by keeping your hands clean to avoid exposure to dust and mold
- Keeping your hands away from your face and nose to avoid flu viruses and bacteria from entering the airways
- Since cold air dries out the air passages – staying hydrated with warm liquids could help clear out the mucus and lubricate the airways
- Steam inhalation could help with the above as well
- Reduce or avoid consuming dairy products as they lead to excess mucus generation
- Try to include sources of magnesium as well as vitamin C & D in your diet as it helps boost immunity, soothe the respiratory tract, and reduce the body’s inflammatory responses
