How to Manage Winter Asthma: Everything to Know

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When many people think of asthma, they associate it with exercise and common warm weather allergens. While these things can trigger asthma, asthma sufferers have unique problems during the winter. 

Winter asthma is no less troublesome than asthma during any other part of the year. Different people will experience different symptoms (better or worse) during each season. 

We’re here to talk about how to manage asthma during the winter so you can stay safe and healthy. Read on to learn more. 

Limit Your Outdoor Time

Have you noticed that you have more trouble breathing when the weather gets colder? This is true for almost everyone, regardless of whether or not they suffer from asthma. Cold and dry air causes your airways to narrow, which makes it harder to breathe (and some people refer to this as winter-induced asthma).

When you combine this with chronic asthma, which causes your airways to narrow when you experience a trigger, it creates a bigger problem. 

Because of this, it’s helpful to limit your outdoor time as much as possible when it’s very cold outside. If you have children with asthma, this is even more important.

But how can you limit your outdoor time and still stay healthy? 

Getting outside for exercise comes with plenty of health benefits, and exercise is great for people with asthma. During the winter, you might need to modify your exercises. 

You can still go outdoors for walks and winter activities, but make sure that you bundle up as much as possible. Cover your face, head, and hands alongside your body. 

Consider moving some of your exercise sessions indoors. There are plenty of indoor workouts that are just as effective (if not more so) than outdoor workouts. 

Keep the Home Clean

When the cold weather first comes around, your heaters are going to start to run. You might also light a fire in your fireplace.

If you haven’t cleaned them recently, this can cause dust and soot to fill the air, which may trigger your asthma. You’ll notice that your heaters may have a musty smell, which is a sign that they need to be cleaned. 

Make sure that you dust everywhere as soon as winter begins. It might also benefit you to use an air purifier when your heater is on to ensure that there are no problems. 

Keep Medications On Hand

As always, you should keep taking your medication as directed. Whether you take daily asthma medication or you only have an emergency inhaler, keep it in your bag so you can take it with you. 

You never know when you’re going to run into an emergency especially when you’re outside in the cold weather. Avoiding asthma attacks is the best choice, but you can’t rely on avoidance. 

If your current medications aren’t sufficient during the winter, don’t be afraid to talk to the pharmacy about making a change. 

Use a Humidifier

Did you know that a humidifier can make a difference when it comes to your asthma during the winter? 

Winter air, especially when you’re running a heater, can be dry and uncomfortable. That dryness can trigger breathing issues. Even if you aren’t having an asthma attack, you may notice discomfort or a burning sensation in your nose and airways. 

A humidifier helps you avoid this problem by bringing more moisture into the air. 

With this in mind, you have to be careful when you use a humidifier. Don’t run it for too long and make sure to clean it every day. Humidifiers can grow mold or cause spores to grow in the surrounding area. 

Often, it’s enough to run a humidifier around your bedtime. If you find that you wake up with trouble breathing after running the humidifier, clean it and discontinue use until you talk to a doctor. 

Avoid Common Illnesses

During the winter, there are illnesses everywhere even in the best of times. It’s important that you do everything in your power to keep yourself safe.

At the moment, you’re at risk for the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19. It’s more important than ever to keep yourself safe. Make sure that you have all of your necessary vaccinations.

Wash your hands often and consider wearing a mask, even if your area doesn’t require it. Avoid people who are showing signs of illness. 

When you clean your home, use disinfectants on all surfaces that you touch often (such as doorknobs, faucets, and even your phone). Vacuum your floors at least once per week (if not more) to get rid of any dust or allergens.  

Speak to Your Doctor

When in doubt, it’s helpful to talk to your doctor about what you should do during the winter. You may find that you have different medication needs when the weather gets colder. Your winter asthma treatments may be more intensive than your treatments during the rest of the year. 

Your doctor understands that cold-weather asthma can feel different than asthma during other seasons, so they’re sure to provide helpful advice.

You Can Manage Your Winter Asthma

Managing winter asthma isn’t much different from managing asthma during the rest of the year. Keep yourself safe and healthy, stay warm, use a humidifier, and avoid triggers by keeping your home clean.

When you find yourself struggling with asthma, go to your doctor for help. They may be able to prescribe you extra medication or inhalers for asthma.

Are you looking for medical supplies and medication that you can afford? At Kiwi Drug, we have everything that you need. Check out our supply of asthma-related products today.