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Many people look forward to cold
weather fun. But if you’re one of the 20 million Americans
diagnosed with asthma, a drop in temperature can mean an
increase in flare-ups. Understanding asthma triggers and taking
extra precautions can help keep you wheeze-free this winter.
Cold Weather Complications
Cold air can give asthmatics more than the chills, says
John Villacis, M.D., an
allergist and immunologist at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic.
In fact, cold air is a common cause of asthma flare-ups.
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“When you inhale cold air, your
airways constrict,” explains Dr. Villacis. “For people with
asthma, this can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath,
wheezing and chest tightness.”
But you don’t have to stay inside if you follow a few simple
steps:
• Exercise precautions. Avoid
exercising in cold weather if possible. If you do, make sure
you use your asthma medication at least 10 to 15 minutes prior
to working out, advises Dr. Villacis.
• Bundle up. Wear a scarf or mask over your face to warm the
air before it enters your airway. Also, keeping the rest of
your body warm by dressing in layers can help keep your
airways warm.
• Manage your medication. Make sure you keep quick-relief
inhalers at arm’s reach when you’re working out or playing in
cold weather, and take your maintenance asthma medications
daily.
Cedar Fever
Between December and February, Central Texas is assailed by one
of the strongest allergy producing pollens in the United
States—mountain cedar. If you’re allergic, the pollen can cause
“cedar fever,” which includes itchy eyes and nose, as well as
sneezing. It can also make asthma worse.
“Watching the pollen counts as well as starting your allergy
medicines early in the season can help reduce symptoms that may
exacerbate asthma,” says Dr. Villacis. “If you have severe
allergies, allergy shots can help with the long-term treatment
of asthma.”
Indoor Irritants
Cold weather asthma triggers aren’t only found outside.
Hunkering down in your house can also set off an attack if you
don’t mitigate these possible irritants:
• Mold, mildew and pet
dander. The more time you spend inside your home, the more
important it is to eliminate allergens that can play a
significant role in asthma flare-ups. “More than 70 percent of
people with asthma also suffer from allergies,” says Dr.
Villacis. “Mold, mildew and pet dander are commonly found
around the house and can irritate bronchial passages,
especially if you’re allergic to these substances.” Keep your
house as clean as you can. Remove as much dust as possible,
vacuum frequently and wash fabrics, such as sheets, in hot
water every week. If you have pets, don’t allow them in the
bedroom. Remember, whatever allergens are outside, your pets
can bring them indoors.
• Second-hand smoke. If you have asthma, you shouldn’t smoke
and you should keep your house smoke-free. “Second-hand smoke
not only triggers asthma attacks but increases their
severity,” says Dr. Villacis. “Children who have asthma are
the most vulnerable.” In addition, fireplaces and wood-burning
stoves, which release smoke into the air, should be used as
infrequently as possible. Make sure your chimney is cleaned
before you use it and that the flue works correctly.
Winter Bugs
The common cold or the flu can mean more than a stuffy nose or
cough in a person with asthma. “If you have asthma, the inside
walls of your airways are already irritated,” says Dr. Villacis.
“Any respiratory infection can make asthma symptoms much worse
and harder to control.”
Get a flu shot before flu season begins and wash your hands
frequently to help avoid getting sick. But if you do come down
with a bug, make sure to monitor your asthma symptoms closely,
use your asthma medicine consistently and use a peak flow meter
to measure how well your lungs are working.
“No matter what the season, asthma can be a difficult disease to
live with if you don’t take steps to control it,” says Dr.
Villacis. “If you feel like your asthma symptoms are getting
worse this winter, talk to your doctor about ways to adjust your
asthma management plan to reduce your risk of an attack.” |
