With lower temperatures approaching, it is time to start thinking about how you can navigate the cold weather while having asthma. Frigid temperatures bring in cold air which can narrow your airway if you are exposed to it for too long. If you are interested in learning how you can navigate cold weather-induced asthma, continue reading.
Take Your Medication
Taking your medication as prescribed is important as it will help treat your asthma. However, this is especially true when it comes to the winter months. During the winter months, your chances of asthma attacks and other infections increase. Inhaled steroids are medications that should be taken every day, even if you feel healthy, to keep your lungs working properly.
Bundle Up
Bundling up during the cold months is a good way to keep your asthma attacks at a minimum. Putting on a scarf and covering your mouth will make it so you breathe less of the cold air that is outside and more of the hot air that is inside. Keeping warm air in your lungs will make it easier for you to breathe.
Adjust Activities
When it becomes the winter months, it is a good idea to bring your activities inside in order to limit the cold air going into your lungs. Try to limit physical activity when you are outside in chilly temperatures. If you normally go for walks outdoors, try finding an indoor track you can walk on, make laps around your home or up and down stairs if it's safe to do so.
Limit Exposure
If you tend to cough a lot when you go outside in the cold temperatures, then try to keep the time you spend outside to a minimum. This will improve your lung health overall. If you must spend an extended period of time outdoors, then warming up 5-10 minutes beforehand can help. This can include doing aerobic activities such as dancing. Also, using a short-acting inhaler 10-15 minutes before going outside can reduce the risk of the cold air narrowing your airway.
Knowing how to navigate cold weather asthma can be beneficial to your health. By following these tips, it can help you breathe easier and will allow you to do some of the things you love without having to worry about your health as much. Still need help? We offer respiratory therapy care and consultations to keep you at your best!