People with asthma may find themselves experiencing more symptoms and flare ups during the winter months. As we head fully into the winter season, the air cools and can become difficult to help manage asthma symptoms.
Why does this happen? For one thing, asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes of the lungs become inflamed, narrowing the airways and resulting in less oxygen getting through. This results in symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. There are many triggers that can cause asthma attacks, including pollen, allergies, dust, and cold air.
Not only do the winter months cause the cooling of air that can result in triggering asthma symptoms when going outside, but people also tend to stay indoors more often due to the cold weather. The indoors can have its fair share of pollen, dust, and other asthma triggers, which can result in people with asthma having more flare ups in the winter.
If you have asthma, there are multiple ways to keep an eye out for triggers and minimizing the effect they can have on you. When going outside, you can wear masks or scarves covering your nose or mouth, to help warm up the air before it goes into your lungs. You can also make sure to wear enough layers. If you stay indoors, you can change out the air filters in your home, make sure the house is well dusted and vacuumed, and invest in a air purifier to help clean up your indoor environment. Finally, make sure you are having regular follow up appointments with your physician to ensure you have the proper medications and inhalers to use for your asthma symptoms.
These are just some ways to help prepare you as we get through the winter months. If you’re someone with asthma, make sure to bring up your questions with your physician to make sure you can manage your asthma symptoms well during the winter months.
Dr. Angela Chen is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
