Cold weather seasons can be hard for people with asthma. Asthma cases increase during winter; a lot of people experience shortness of breath. The nose has vessels that warm up the air you breathe in before it reaches the lungs, but often you breathe through your mouth; the mouth allows cold air into the lungs. Cold air is dry and increases mucus. When the cold air hits the lungs, it will respond by tightening. That is how cold weather may induce asthma. With a few tips for Cold Weather Asthma, you will breathe with ease even in the coldest months.
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Take Your Medicine
Please have all your Cold Weather Asthma treatment medication available; it’s important to keep taking your meds as prescribed, especially in the Cold Weather Asthma. Even during the times that you are not experiencing any symptoms, don’t ignore the medication. Use them regularly during winter to handle the cold. Always have your inhaler nearby and use it if need be.
Limit Exposure
Avoid exposing yourself to the cold weather; keep your mouth covered when you need to go outside. Covering your mouth warms up the air you breathe. It is expected of you to close your windows and stay indoors during winter. However, closed windows tend to breed mold and dust, which are common triggers of asthma. To mitigate this situation, ensure your house is continuously cleaned during the cold months.
Go For Regular Check-Ups
Going for check-ups now and then will help you adjust your medication accordingly during the cold season. It also helps because you may be able to tell if you are at risk of an asthma attack. That is one way of being better safe than sorry. Working together with your doctor, you can come up with a plan for the cold season.
Moisturize?
A dry nose will feel congested and will result in more breathing through the mouth. Use a nasal saline spray or get to keep your nose moisturized during the cold months. Keeping the nose airway moisturized will help you breathe more easily and limit mouth breathing. On top of moisturizing, don’t let the house temperature go too low – keep it warm inside.
Get the Flu Shot
To be safe, get the flu shot before the cold season starts – vaccination has been shown to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Winter also brings more exposure to flu viruses, which can worsen asthma symptoms in the cold weather. It will get difficult to manage your symptoms if you get infected. Getting the flu shot will help you focus on getting through the cold season rather than worry about catching a cold. Wash your hands regularly to avoid infections as well.
Drink Extra Fluids
Drinking more fluids during winter will keep mucus in the lungs thinner and easy for your body to get rid of. Ensure you are hydrated all the time, preferably take hot drinks, like cocoa, tea, or coffee. You need your body to be warm – cold refrigerated drinks can be troublesome during the cold season. There is no specific amount of drinks to take, just ensure you are not dehydrated. Always contact your doctor if you have any questions.
Conclusion
Please do not wait until it’s too late to seek Cold Weather Asthma treatment. Take precautions and make the necessary adjustments before the cold weather season starts. Apart from the quick-relief meds, ensure you take the regular medications even when you are feeling okay. As the cold season approaches, keep your doctor close, and make sure you refill your prescriptions beforehand to minimize the chances of going out in the cold.
If you have any flare-ups in the cold season, call for help and follow the necessary action plan. The biggest take away is avoiding the cold air at all cost, you may not be able to stay indoors until summer, but you should avoid going outdoors when it’s not necessary. The good news is these tips will make you cope with asthma symptoms during the winter.
