Does your asthma get worse in winter?
Being prepared for triggers can help keep flare-ups at bay. By Liz Connor
IT’S believed around 5.5 million people in the UK and Ireland are currently receiving treatment for asthma, and the charity Asthma UK says it’s not uncommon for asthma symptoms to get worse over the festive season.
Looking after your respiratory health is important at any time of the year — and especially so this winter, with the ongoing spread of Covid-19 to factor in too.
Why does asthma get worse in winter?
Asthma can be harder to control during winter months for a few reasons. Ruth Morrow, a respiratory nurse specialist from the Asthma Society of Ireland says people often find their unwelcome asthma symptoms flaring up at this time of year, because there are more triggers lurking around.
“Changes to the temperature and cold air are a very common trigger for people with asthma and they can affect the airways, causing them to narrow,” says Morrow.
Then there’s all those cold and flu viruses going around.
A cold or respiratory tract infection can exacerbate symptoms for people with asthma.
How can I relieve asthma symptoms this winter?
There are a few things people with asthma can do to keep themselves as healthy as possible through winter.
1. Manage your asthma properly
“To do this, you should take your medication as prescribed, and carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times,” Morrow says.
“If you’re using your reliever inhaler more than twice a week, please speak to your healthcare professional as this may be an indication that your condition is not controlled and you may be at risk of an asthma attack,” she stresses. 2. Dress for the chilly weather
There are easy ways you can alleviate cold air from triggering your asthma too. This includes dressing appropriately for the season and keeping warm.
“Wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth, as this will both heat and humidify the air, making breathing easier,” Morrow advises.
3. Crank up the heating
Keep your house warm too. “It’s important to stay warm during the winter months, but make sure your home is well ventilated. If wind and rain trigger your respiratory condition, keep windows closed on particularly bad days,” Morrow adds.
4. Take your workouts indoors
If you’re an outdoor runner, it might be a good idea to bring your workouts indoors and take a few mat-based, cross-training classes instead. “Exercising in your house is a great way of improving lung function while also staying warm,” says Morrow.
5. Breathe in through your nose
This one is tricky to master, but can make all the difference. “Try to breathe in through your nose as much as possible, instead of through your mouth,” says Morrow. “This will help to heat the air before it reaches your lungs.”
6. Get the flu and pneumococcal vaccination
Flu may be common, but it can be very serious for those living with a lung condition. “Pneumococcal disease is a major cause of illness and death in the UK and Ireland, particularly among the very young, the elderly and those with a weakened immune system,” warns Morrow.