You need to take extra precautions if you have a lung condition, especially in winter as the chilly winter can literally take your breath away. The condition is tougher to control during the colder months due to various reasons.
It is a fact that the cold and dry weather tends to irritate your airways. Not to mention those cold and flu viruses circulating around which can trigger respiratory tract infection and worsen asthma symptoms.
According to experts, even staying indoors with the windows, you may still get an asthma attack, and the triggers could be dust mites, pet dander, and other indoor allergens. There are precautions which you can take to avoid an asthma attack and keep yourself as healthy as possible.
What precautions should people with asthma take during cold weather?
Dr Nikhil Modi, Consultant Respiratory critical and sleep Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says, “Precautions should be taken especially in winters as the extremely cold weather can be a triggering factor for asthma. Smog, caused by high level of pollution during the winter, is another factor responsible for high incidence of asthma attack during this season. Avoid getting out frequently, wear mask all the time.”
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How can one avoid asthma attacks in the winters?
Dr Modi said, “To avoid asthma attacks during the winter, one needs to avoid exposure to extremely cold temperatures and pollutants when possible. One should also continue with the regular medications for asthma to control and prevent exacerbation.”
What can we do if we have an asthma attack during cold weather?
“If a person has an asthma attack that is triggered by cold weather, they should first use their short-acting inhaler. It will loosen and open up the airways. Typically, this inhaler contains albuterol, a beta-agonist. A person should always carry their inhaler with them if they are going outdoors in colder temperatures,” suggests Dr Modi.
How to know about my asthma triggers during winters?
Dr Modi said, “Asthma triggering in winters can be ascertained from the history of increased exacerbation in the past and worsening of symptoms on exposure to cold weather.”
Treatment options for winter-induced asthma:
Dr Modi suggests Treatment options remain the same: avoid exposure to allergens, never discontinue the use of inhalers and asthma medicines.
