Why does asthma worsen during winter?
Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease (NCD), affecting both children as well as adults, and is the most common chronic lung disease among children (ref). The condition causes the airways to swell, narrow and may also cause the production of excess mucus, all of which makes breathing very difficult.
With the change of seasons not only do asthmatics have to adapt to temperature fluctuations but also to new irritants that are introduced into the environment as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections.
So when an already vulnerable respiratory tract is exposed to cold, dry air, as well as encounters with triggers that are characteristic to winter it can make the airway muscles spasm (ref) while it also tries to keep the airways open. This processing of opposing pressure in the lungs can cause exacerbated symptoms of asthma like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness etc. and could also lead to an attack.
In fact, not only could this combination exacerbate pre-existing conditions of asthma, but it can also lead to newer cases of weather-induced asthma as inhaling cold air causes the production of histamine in the airways, which is the same chemical the body produces during an allergy attack. (ref)
Triggers of asthma flare-ups during the winter
It’s hard to have complete control on the air you breathe considering that changes in your outdoor and indoor environments vary from season to season. And winter comes with quite a few asthma triggers, with cold air itself being a common trigger for most asthmatics. Exposure to these triggers can cause asthma flareups where significant inflammation in lungs are accompanied by bronchospasms (i.e. the rapid and sudden narrowing of the airways). (ref)
Along with cold air, other triggers during winter range from pollen, mould, dampness and dust mites to exposure to chest infections as well as common cold and flu viruses. In fact, seasonal flu which is a common characteristic of winter is one of the most critical triggers for exacerbated asthma symptoms as well as flareups. An asthmatic exposed to cold and flu viruses, runs a greater risk of that infection developing into pneumonia. Therefore it is important to be aware and able to identify possible triggers and communicate them to your doctor so that appropriate action as well as precautions can be taken.
Symptoms to watch out for
Asthma symptoms may vary from patient to patient, however some common symptoms observed during cold season include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and coughing or wheezing. Some asthmatics also experience cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and mucus thickening when exposed to is the most common asthma triggers to be aware of in winter. In addition, flu-like infections also put an undue burden on asthmatics and therefore triggering asthma during winter season. Anybody experiencing any such symptoms and triggers should immediately seek medical attention. (ref)
How do inhalers help asthmatics combat asthma symptoms during winter?
Inhalers have emerged as an effective treatment to manage asthma efficiently as well as minimize the impact of symptoms.
- They aid in the direct delivery of the medicine to the lungs, helping the airways to relax and the individual to breathe better.
- They deliver small and measured doses of medicine directly to the airways, thus requiring lesser dosage and reducing any chances of side effects
- They help control asthma symptoms through prevention and immediate relief, thereby reducing flare ups
- They are suitable for all ages when used as per the doctor’s instructions. For children, it is recommended to use a spacer device along with an inhaler
How can you manage your condition more effectively in cold weather?
While ensuring that you can identify as well as avoid possible triggers is the first preventive measure to undertake – putting an action plan in place in consultation with your doctor is pivotal. Usually, this treatment plan includes a combination of rescue medication – which is meant to be taken during an exacerbation for immediate, short-term relief and maintenance medication – which is meant for to be taken daily to have a long-term control of your condition. However, adhering to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor and keeping your doctor in the know of any fluctuations in your symptoms is of prime importance.
Furthermore, a rescue inhaler should be used as recommended by your doctor. As the name suggests it’s important to have it to rescue you from a sudden flareup.
Additional preventive/precautionary measures to take include
Getting annual flu vaccinations as well as regular vaccinations against pneumococcal pneumonia to reduce the risk respiratory tract infections.
Staying indoors especially when temperatures drop significantly e.g., late night and early morning
Wearing a mask - Mask helps to prevent the cold and dry air from having direct contact with your airways
Drink more warm fluids – since the cold dry air dries out the airways while causing excess mucus production due to irritation, warm fluids could help clear out the mucus and lubricate the airways (ref.)
Keep the house dust free - Vacuum and dust the home frequently to remove allergens
Eat right - Right diet has a significant impact on asthma. Eating a diet rich vitamin D and C can help in managing asthma symptoms during winters. Also eating garlic and ginger during winters is essential for asthmatic patients as both have anti-inflammatory properties (ref.)
Maintain hygiene - One of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid catching or spreading cold and other viruses is to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with water and soap.
