Tips for Managing Cold-Induced Asthma
If you have asthma, cold weather can sometimes make it worse. When you breathe cold air, the layer of fluid in your airway becomes dry, irritated, and swollen.
Here are some simple tips to help you manage your asthma when it is cold outside.
- Warm up before you head outside. Before you go outdoors, warm your body for 5-10 minutes by doing indoor exercise.
- Warm up your airway. Cover your mouth, nose, and throat with a mask or scarf when you go outside. This helps warm up the air before it gets to your lungs.
- Use your inhaler. If you have an inhaler, use it 15-30 minutes before going outside. This helps keep your airway open.
- Stay inside. On really cold days, try to stay indoors as much as possible.
- Avoid anyone who is sick. Stay away from anyone who is sick. Germs that cause respiratory infections are easily passed and can worsen asthma.
- Drink extra fluids. Drinking fluids can help keep the mucus in your lungs thinner, making it easier for your body to remove and for you to breathe.
By following these tips, when the temperatures drop, you can keep your asthma under control.
Staying prepared and caring for yourself can make a big difference in managing cold-induced
asthma.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325492#prevention
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/in-depth/asthma/art-20043943
