For many people, asthma attacks may happen more often in the winter.
"There are two challenges for people with asthma in the winter. One is that they spend more time inside. The other is that it’s cold outside," says H. James Wedner, MD, an asthma expert at Washington University in St. Louis.
While you’re indoors, you breathe in asthma triggers such as mold, pet dander, dust mites, and even fires in the fireplace. When you venture out, you could have an asthma attack from inhaling the cold air.
Here’s how to breathe easier during the cold months.
Learn Your Triggers
When you inhale something that triggers your asthma, your airways -- the tubes in your lungs that carry air -- can become tight and clogged with mucus. You may cough, wheeze, and struggle to catch your breath.
Talk to your doctor about having tests to find out what your triggers are. Once you know them, you can make some changes at home that may help:
The common cold and flu are both more likely to strike in the winter and can lead to asthma flare-ups. You can lower your family’s risk of these illnesses, though:
Tips to Avoid Cold Air
To protect yourself from asthma flare-ups due to chilly weather, Wedner offers these suggestions:
Treating Winter Asthma
People with asthma not only use quick-relief meds; they often need to take medicine every day for long-term asthma control. But sometimes they make the mistake of stopping the medications when they no longer feel symptoms, Wedner says.
So, even if you haven’t had a flare-up for a long time, be sure to follow your doctor’s directions for controlling your asthma. As winter nears, make sure you have current prescriptions for all medications.
Talk to your doctor about an asthma action plan, says Daniel Jackson, MD, of the University of Wisconsin. The plan should make it clear when to take each type of medication and when to call the doctor or call for emergency medical help. Divide the plan into three categories or zones:
You probably won’t need to change your action plan for the winter, Jackson says. But since you may be more likely to need it during the cold months, make sure you review your plan before winter and keep it handy.
Tips for Children
As winter approaches, you can help your child have fewer asthma problems, too:
Eric Metcalf - WebMD