Cold-induced asthma: how winter weather affects your breathing.

What is cold-induced asthma, and why it happens.

Cold-induced asthma kicks in when breathing in cold, dry air makes your airways tighten and inflame. This narrowing of the airways restricts airflow, which can cause shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness.

However, it’s not just the cold air that can set things off. Dry indoor heat, respiratory infections and even stress from holiday hustle and bustle can all exacerbate symptoms. Moving from warm indoor air to cold outdoor air can further irritate already-sensitive airways, making winter an extra challenging season for those with cold-induced asthma.

Recognizing cold-induced asthma symptoms.

Cold-induced asthma can feel a little different from regular asthma symptoms.

Here are a few signs to look for:

• Wheezing. That whistling sound when you breathe is a common sign of asthma, and it can be especially noticeable in the cold. 
• Shortness of breath. If you feel winded, even after light activity outside, it could be a sign that cold air is triggering your asthma.
• Chest tightness. Cold-induced asthma often brings a tight, heavy feeling in the chest that can make breathing uncomfortable
• Persistent cough. If cold air makes you cough repeatedly, especially when you’re outdoors, this may also point to winter asthma.

If you notice these symptoms more often when it’s cold, it could mean your asthma is sensitive to winter conditions. Keeping a note of when symptoms pop up and what makes them worse can help you and your doctor get to the root of the issue.

Tips to manage asthma flare-ups in winter.

Managing cold-induced asthma doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are a few simple steps to make breathing easier this season:

• Cover up. Wrapping a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth warms the air before it hits your lungs, which can help reduce irritation.
• Use your inhaler before heading out. If the cold tends to set off your asthma, using a quick-relief inhaler before stepping outside can be a game-changer. Just check with your doctor on the best approach.
• Stay hydrated. Cold air is typically dry, and staying hydrated keeps your airways moist and less reactive to that chill.
• Warm up indoors. Doing some light stretching or exercises inside before braving the cold can help your body adjust, making it less of a shock to your system.
• Limit time outside in extreme cold. If it’s bitterly cold, it’s worth staying indoors to avoid triggering symptoms.
• Keep indoor air comfortable. Using a humidifier can make the dry winter air more breathable at home, helping to ease asthma symptoms.

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of struggle if you have asthma. With a few simple steps, you can help keep your symptoms in check and enjoy the best parts of the season.

If you’re finding it tough to manage your asthma this winter or just want some extra support, swing by CityMD Urgent Care. Our team is here to help you find ways to breathe easier, no matter how cold it gets outside.