Tips for Asthma triggered by cold weather.
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Why Does Cold Air Affect Asthma Symptoms?

1. Cold air is dry.
2. Your airways are lined with a thin layer of fluid. When you breathe in dry air, that fluid evaporates faster than it can be replaced. Dry airways become irritated and swollen, which worsens asthma symptoms. Cold air also causes your airways to produce a substance called histamine, which is the same chemical your body makes during an allergy attack. Histamine triggers wheezing and other asthma symptoms.
3. Cold increases mucus.
4. Your airways are lined with a layer of protective mucus, which helps remove unhealthy particles. In cold weather, your body produces more mucus, but it’s thicker and stickier than normal. The extra mucus makes you more likely to catch a cold or other infection.
5. You’re more likely to get sick or be indoors when it’s cold.
6. Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections tend to circulate during the winter months. These infections are also known to set off asthma symptoms.
7. Cold air can also drive you indoors, where dust, mold, and pet dander flourish. These allergens set off asthma symptoms in some people.

 
How to Avoid Asthma Attacks in the Cold:

1. To avoid asthma attacks, try to stay indoors when the temperature dips very low, especially if it’s below 10°F. If you do have to go outside, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to warm the air before you breathe it in.
2. Drink extra fluids in the winter. This can keep the mucus in your lungs thinner and easier for your body to remove.

     3.  Try to avoid anyone who appears to be sick.
     4.  Get your flu vaccine early in the fall.
     5.  Vacuum and dust your home often to remove indoor allergens.
     6.  Wash your sheets and blankets every week in hot water to get rid of dust mites.
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To prevent asthma attacks when you exercise outdoors in cold weather:

1. Use your inhaler 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise to open up your airways so you can breathe easier.
2. Carry an inhaler with you in case you have an asthma attack.
3. Warm up for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you work out.
4. Wear a mask or scarf over your face to warm the air you breathe in.

We always recommend the flu vaccine and this year the CDC and the AAP do not recommend the flu mist.  Due to this, there may be a shortage in flu vaccine available.  Please call us and make your appointment today, or if you are a current patient just walk in anytime during our office hours to receive your flu shot.