Cold Air and Asthma

Cold weather and asthma can be a dangerous combination, with cold air triggering asthma symptoms and exacerbating already-existing conditions. Cold air contains less moisture than warm air, and when those with asthma are exposed to cold air, this triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals in the lungs, which can lead to things like airway narrowing and increased mucus production, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

It’s also important to note that aside from change in temperature, colds, flu, and other viruses are more common in the winter months and can lead to increased inflammation of the airways and thickened mucus in the bronchial tubes, which can also worsen symptoms or cause one to have asthma flare-ups.

We also tend to spend more time indoors during colder weather, and with the heat on, which can also expose you to more indoor allergens and irritants – including things like dust, pet dander, mold, or cigarette smoke.

The good news is that there are some steps that can be taken to help prevent and alleviate asthma symptoms.

First, make sure you’re dressing appropriately for the weather. Wearing extra layers of clothing can help keep the body warm and provide you with some insulation from the cold air. It’s also recommended that if you’re going to be outdoors, you should wear a scarf and/or some kind of face covering, as this can also help protect the airways and keep them warm, and reduce the risk of having an asthma attack. If you’re someone who suffers from severe asthma attacks, you may want to stay indoors when possible – especially during times of extreme cold.

When it comes to medicinal measures, there are options such as short-acting albuterol inhalers – also known as “rescue” inhalers – that can be taken at the first sign of symptoms to prevent them from worsening. There are also long-term control medications that can be taken daily, on a long-term basis, to help maintain control of asthma that is persistent. Examples of these types of long-term use medications include Symbicort, Flovent, Advair, and Pulmicort, just to name a few. For more information on these medications and others, click here. You can also check out www.asthma.ca for additional resources.