How to keep yourself safe from Asthma attacks this winter!

To breathe easy is to enjoy the best gift of nature every day. This is a luxury to some whose physical condition doesn’t allow them to experience the bliss of normal breathing. Asthmatic patients are more prone to environmental triggers than the average person and are required to take extra care to prevent attacks, especially during cold seasons.

Asthma is a mild to serious condition in which airways become narrow. They may produce more than the normal amount of mucus. This, in effect, makes breathing quite difficult, triggering shortness of breath, coughing fits, etc.

Does winter cause more Asthmatic symptoms? If so, why?

The cold and dry air during winters can irritate airways and cause them to produce more mucus. This causes asthmatic flare-ups to those who are prone to this medical condition. Common cold, sore throats and flus are rampant during this season. It becomes all the more essential for those triggered to be extra cautious.

• When temperature drops, the airways or bronchial tubes become constricted to protect themselves from cold air flowing into the lungs, especially in patients who have very sensitive reactions to weather changes.
• With narrow airways, breathing becomes difficult. Will need more effort by lungs.

For those suffering from long-term asthma, cold weather triggers flare-ups or in serious cases, worsens their condition.

Causes or triggers for asthma flare-ups during winter:

1. Cold and dry air
2. Pollution
3. Smog
4. Seasonal Viral infections
5. Allergens
6. Outdoor exercises

Working out during winters can be quite a trigger for asthma attacks. As the breathing speeds up, it is a natural tendency to take in more air through the mouth. Mouth breathing delivers cold & dry air directly to the lungs than when breathing through the nose. Nasal blood vessels warm and humidify the inhaled air before it reaches lungs. That is why breathing through the mouth during winters is more risk-prone for asthma patients.

How to prevent asthma attacks in winter?

As it is generally known, ‘Prevention is the best cure’. Especially in the case of asthma attacks, it is crucial to manage the symptoms before venturing into colder surroundings.

It does not always manage to stay indoors in cold seasons. When heading out during winter, here are a few tips to follow in order to prevent sudden attacks.

• Covering nose & mouth with a scarf or mask to prevent inhaling cold air directly.
• Keeping well hydrated so the mucus is thinner in the lungs.
• Steer clear of those who are sick - common cold, flu, fever, etc.
• Keeping track of Flu vaccination before the season starts.
• Deep cleaning or vacuuming immediate surroundings in the house to remove dust and allergens.
• Keep inhaler readily available for immediate relief
• Proper warm-up before working out.
• Maintaining proper hand hygiene.

If the asthma is stable, it is still important to carry medications or inhalers to help manage sudden flare-ups. In case of the elderly or others with pre-existing lung illnesses, annual flu vaccination certainly helps.

Also, in case of worsening symptoms even after inhaler use, it is extremely important to reach out to the appropriate medical authorities. Immediate medical attention in drastic conditions helps manage the symptoms. It is essential to have a treatment plan ready with the primary healthcare personnel as the winter season progresses.

For regular health check-ups or for worsening Asthmatic Symptoms, please reach out to Pulmonologists in?Star Hospitals?at

+91-9100 911 911

#starhospitals #asthma #breathingproblems #healthcare