Winter brings cold mornings, cosy blankets and warm chai, but for those living with asthma, the colder months can bring breathing problems. This can be both physically and emotionally draining for people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
A sudden drop in temperature, climate change, cold, dry air, indoor dust, respiratory infections, and increased exposure to allergens can easily trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which the airways become inflamed, swollen and sensitive to certain triggers. This makes it hard for air to travel in and out of the lungs. Asthma can flare up all through the year; some people may experience more severe symptoms and flare-ups during the winter season.
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Hence, identifying the early signs of asthma in winter and taking the right precautions can help largely mitigate the risk of severe asthma attacks. Read this article to learn more about common triggers, symptoms and simple measures that can make breathing more comfortable during the winter months.
Why Does Asthma Get Worse in Winter?
Cold climate can impact the airways in several ways, especially in people with asthma. Breathing cold, dry air may irritate sensitive airways and cause them to narrow.
Some of the factors that can aggravate asthma during winter include:
Cold and dry air may irritate the airways and trigger coughing, wheezing or breathlessness.
Colds, influenza and other viral infections can increase airway inflammation and trigger asthma flare-ups.
Spending time indoors may increase exposure to dust mites, mould, pet dander and other allergens. Keeping windows closed for longer periods may let indoor pollutants and allergens circulate within the room. However, not everyone with asthma experiences worsening symptoms in winter.
5 Asthma Symptoms in Winter That Need Attention
Asthma symptoms can differ from person to person and may become more observable at night, early in the morning or after exposure to cold air. Identifying changes early can help prevent symptoms and flare-ups.
Also Read: Respiratory Power: Here Are 5 Supplements To Keep Lungs Strong And Ease Breathing
Persistent Cough, Especially at Night
A dry, continuous cough that worsens at night, early in the morning or after stepping outside into cold air can be a sign of asthma. Some people may observe cough as their main symptom, even without obvious wheezing.
Seek help if: The cough repeatedly disturbs sleep, lasts longer than usual or worsens despite following prescribed treatment.
Wheezing While Breathing
Wheezing is a whistling sound, often heard while breathing out. It happens when air moves through narrowed airways and may become more obvious in cold climates or during a respiratory infection.
Seek help if: Wheezing becomes frequent, occurs at rest or does not improve with the prescribed reliever treatment.
Shortness of Breath
Cold air and physical workout can trigger breathlessness in some people with asthma. This makes it difficult for them to breathe normally or may make it hard even to perform routine activities as usual.
Seek help if: Breathlessness develops during regular activities, becomes very regular or happens even while at rest. Severely aggravating breathing issues need prompt medical care.
Chest Tightness
Asthma-related airway narrowing may cause a feeling of tightness, heaviness or pressure in the chest. This can occur alongside coughing, wheezing or breathlessness.
Seek help if: Chest tightness is regular and repeatedly occurs with worsening breathing. Sudden chest pain, particularly with breathlessness, needs urgent medical assessment.
Disturbed Sleep
Waking up often at night with coughing or breathlessness, or needing an inhaler more frequently than usual, can indicate that asthma is not under control.
Seek help if: Symptoms recur very often at night-time, daily activities become hard or prescribed medication is giving less relief than usual. Need a medical review promptly rather than just increasing the dosage of medication on your own.
Effective Ways to Manage Asthma During Winter
Take Medication as Prescribed
Ensure not to discontinue your prescribed asthma medication even when you feel better or modify the dose without proper medical guidance. If you have been prescribed an inhaler, use it according to your treatment regimen.
Keep your reliever inhaler handy and make sure you know when and how to use it. Discuss with your physician or pharmacist about inhaler technique if you are unsure.
Also Read; Asthma Dietary Management: Foods To Add And Avoid For Managing This Respiratory Condition
Safeguard Your Airways From Cold Air
Before going outside in cold weather, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf, mask or face covering. This can help you keep the warm air before it reaches your airways.
Furthermore, breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. If cold air triggers your symptoms, limit prolonged exposure to very cold or windy conditions.
Keep Your Home Clean
Clean and wash bedding regularly and keep it free from accumulated dust.
Clean damp areas and address mould growth promptly.
Vacuum and dust regularly, using methods that minimise airborne dust.
Keep pets away from the bedroom if pet dander is a known trigger.
Avoid very strong fragrances, tobacco smoke, incense and other irritants if they trigger symptoms.
Prevent Respiratory Infections
Colds, flu and other respiratory infections can easily trigger flare-ups. Follow proper respiratory etiquette, such as washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick people, and getting recommended vaccinations, including flu vaccines where appropriate.
If you develop a respiratory infection, monitor your asthma symptoms closely and follow your personalised asthma action plan.
Exercise Safely
Regular physical activity supports overall health and should not automatically be restricted because you have asthma.
During winter, warm up gradually before exercising and choose an indoor setting if cold air triggers symptoms. Follow your physician's advice about using prescribed medication before exercise and stop if you develop significant breathlessness or wheezing.
Stay Hydrated / Eat a Balanced Diet
Drink adequate water throughout the day to maintain good hydration. Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts and other nutritious foods in your daily meal plan.
Warm soups and infused herbal drinks may provide comfort during cold weather, but no particular food or drink can cure asthma or replace prescribed treatment. Avoid foods or drinks that you know trigger an individual allergic reaction
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does asthma get worse in winter?
Cold, dry air can irritate and narrow sensitive airways. Respiratory infections, indoor allergens and smoke exposure can also trigger asthma symptoms or flare-ups.
What are the common symptoms of winter asthma?
Common symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and disturbed sleep due to breathing difficulties. Symptoms that worsen or require inhaler medication need medical attention.
How can I prevent asthma attacks in winter?
Follow prescribed asthma medication consistently, cover your nose and mouth loosely in cold weather, avoid known triggers, reduce exposure to respiratory infections and follow your personalised asthma action plan.
Is steam inhalation good for asthma in winter?
Steam inhalation is not a proven treatment for asthma and does not replace prescribed inhalers. Hot steam can cause burns, so it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Can people with asthma exercise during winter?
Yes. Most people with well-controlled asthma can exercise safely. A gradual warm-up, protection from cold air and following a personalised treatment plan can help reduce exercise-related symptoms.
Conclusion
Managing asthma in winter can become more difficult in winter, due to cold air, respiratory infections, indoor allergens and air pollutants. Continuous coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and improper sleep patterns are common symptoms that need attention, especially when they become more frequent.
Preventing asthma flare-ups during winter includes following a prescribed medication schedule, safeguarding yourself from cold air, decreasing exposure to triggers and following an asthma action plan to help manage asthma symptoms throughout the winter.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9316622/
Subtypes of Asthma and Cold Weather-Related Respiratory Symptoms
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Editors: Sara Maio1, Sandra Baldacci1, Sofia Tagliaferro1, Federico Pirona1
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