Winter can be a tough time for people with asthma. The cold, dry air, along with colds and flu viruses, can trigger wheezing and shortness of breath.

To help reduce asthma symptoms during winter, we have compiled expert advice on how to manage asthma during colder months.

1. Keep Your Home Warm and Dry

One of the most important steps to take during the winter season is to make sure your home is warm and dry. Cold air can aggravate asthma symptoms, so keeping your home temperature between 68°F and 72°F can help prevent asthma symptoms from flaring up.

Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home, especially during the colder months when the air inside is less humid. A humidifier can help relieve dry airways and reduce wheezing and coughing.

2. Stay Ahead of Colds and Flu

Colds and flu viruses can aggravate asthma symptoms, so it’s important to stay healthy during the winter months.

Take preventative measures, such as washing your hands frequently and getting a flu shot, to prevent respiratory infections that can trigger asthma symptoms. Don’t forget to practice good hygiene to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

3. Avoid Outdoor Triggers

Cold air and exercise can trigger asthma symptoms during the winter. To reduce your risk of outdoor triggers, try to avoid outdoor activities during extreme cold weather conditions.

You can also take your asthma inhaler before going outside to prevent asthma symptoms from flaring up. You can wear a scarf or a mask to warm up the air your breathe.

4. Maintain Asthma Medication During Winter

It’s critical to continue taking your asthma medication as prescribed, even during the winter months. Asthma symptoms can worsen during cold weather, so it’s crucial to maintain your asthma medication routine throughout the season.

Always carry your quick-relief inhaler with you, as instructed by your doctor. Also, make sure you have enough medication to last through the winter season.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

Creating a healthy diet plan can have a positive effect on asthma issues during winter. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve overall lung function.

Try to eliminate processed foods, fried foods and other foods that can cause allergic reactions and inflammation to reduce asthmatic symptoms during winter.

6. Invest in Air Filtration System

Indoor air quality can be a significant issue during the winter months, with dust, pet dander, and other allergens circulating through the air inside your home.

An air filtration system can help reduce these triggers, which, in turn, may help reduce asthma symptoms. By investing in an air filtration system, you can remove pollutants and other airborne allergens, providing cleaner indoor air and easing your asthma.

7. Get Enough Sleep

A good sleeping is key to good health and to decrease asthma symptoms during winter. Lack of sleep can affect immune function, and make your asthma symptoms worse.

If you have asthma and have trouble sleeping because of symptoms such as coughing or wheezing, it’s important to speak with your doctor about adjusting your medication or asthma management plan to help you rest better.

8. Stay Hydrated

Winter air can be dry, which can cause your airways to become drier and make asthma symptoms worse. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your airways moist, making it easier to breathe.

You can also try drinking hot tea or eating soups to help moisturize your airways and soothe a sore throat.

9. Exercise Indoors

Cold weather and exercise can trigger asthma symptoms, but that doesn’t mean you should skip your workout. You can try exercising indoors instead of outdoor to reduce your chances of triggering asthma.

Indoor jogging, stationary cycling, or yoga classes can all be great ways to stay active without exposing yourself to cold weather triggers.

10. Keep Your Asthma Action Plan Handy

It’s essential to keep your asthma action plan handy throughout the winter season.

Your asthma plan should include a list of symptoms you need to watch out for, instructions on what medications to take and when to take them, and emergency contact information. If you’re traveling this winter, make sure to bring your asthma action plan with you and keep it close.

Conclusion

By following these expert tips to reduce asthma symptoms during winter, you can lower your risk of triggering asthma symptoms during the colder months.

Having a strong asthma management plan in place can help ensure that you’re prepared and ready to handle any asthma issues that may arise during winter.