Asthma may not be the first thing you think of during the winter. But colder weather can exacerbate symptoms for people with the condition. Here鈥檚 why.
1. Dry air
The dry air can irritate the lungs and cause hyperreactivity, which increases mucus production and can trigger reactive airway disease or asthma. Aaron Kobernick, MD, an immunologist and assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at 麻豆学生精品版, says, 鈥淭he cold weather and dry air can cause twitchiness and irritate the lungs, which can make the airways more hyperactive and create asthma or asthma-like symptoms.鈥
2. Respiratory season
Cold weather also brings an uptick in colds, flu, and COVID-19 transmission, which can make asthma symptoms worse. 鈥淰iruses have an opportunity to take off if the lungs are irritated by cold and dry air or by air pollutants,鈥 Kobernick says. 鈥淚f you already have a twitchy lung, respiratory viruses can make that twitchiness worse and cause or asthma.鈥
3. Being indoors
Spending more time indoors is not the answer. Asthma triggers exist there as well, and with windows and doors shut tight against the cold, they are less likely to dissipate as they do in warmer times. 鈥淧atients with allergic triggers will be exposed to more animal dander, wood stoves, and house dust,鈥 Kobernick says.
Focus on prevention
In order to avoid asthma attacks in the cold weather, patients need to focus on .
- Take medication regularly and as directed.
- Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Limit outdoor exercise on poor air quality days.
- Use a scarf or face mask when outside to help warm and humidify the air you breath.
- Use a humidifier.
- Frequently wash your hands.
鈥淭alk to your doctor about the circumstances that trigger your asthma attacks,鈥 Kobernick says. 鈥淭hey can help you come up with a plan to prevent them.鈥
