Tips for Managing Asthma in the Winter

With winter in full swing, it’s important to take the proper precautions to avoid severe asthma flare-ups. Here, you’ll learn some practical ways to manage your asthma during the cold weather months.

When you have asthma, your airways — known as your bronchial tubes — swell and become inflamed in response to certain triggers. This leads to well-known asthma symptoms such as wheezing, trouble breathing, and shortness of breath.

Unfortunately, for many people living with asthma, the cold air and temperatures that accompany the winter months are huge asthma triggers. Cold air narrows your airways, ramps up the production of sticky mucus, and drives you indoors, where more asthma triggers such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold abound.

In addition, lots of viruses such as colds and the flu run rampant during the winter which can also worsen asthma.

At the Allergy and Asthma of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan, our team led by expert allergist Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP, understands that winter can be a tricky time for those living with asthma. So, this month’s blog highlights a few ways to keep your asthma attacks at bay during the cold months ahead.

Avoid cold air exposure whenever possible

When that cold outdoor air hits your lungs, your airways are likely to narrow and leave you hacking or wheezing. To prevent asthma attacks that result from cold, dry air, avoid going outdoors (or staying out for very long) as much as you can.

If you typically exercise outside, choose an indoor option instead. Check out your local gym or walk laps at the closest indoor shopping mall. In addition, when you walk outside, drape a scarf over your mouth to avoid directly inhaling the sharp winter air.

Practice caution indoors

With more time spent inside, make sure you’re doing everything to keep those indoor asthma triggers to a minimum.

You may want to use a humidifier to add some moisture back into your dry air at home but take care to clean it regularly to keep it free of asthma-inducing mold. Keep pets out of your bedroom so it can be free and clear of pet dander while you sleep. Wash your sheets and other bedding in hot water once a week and vacuum your house often to keep the dust mites away.

Keep the germs away

To reduce your risk of contracting the flu and other viruses that can worsen asthma, take extra steps to take care of yourself. This can include avoiding others who are sick, washing your hands frequently, drinking lots of hydrating fluids, and getting the flu shot.

Stay on top of your asthma treatment plan

You should always follow your asthma treatment plan exactly, especially in the winter. Even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms, continue taking medications as prescribed and carry an inhaler with you at all times.

If you haven’t updated your asthma action plan in a while, now is a great time to do so.

For expert-level asthma care during the winter season, look no further than our team at the Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan. Schedule an appointment by calling or using our online booking feature today.