5 Strategies to Deal With Cold-Weather Asthma

For many, the arrival of winter brings the joy of holidays and cozy nights. But for those with asthma, the cold, dry air means wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. 

Dr. Mark R. Rosenberg and his team at Macomb Medical Clinic, P.C., in Sterling Heights, Michigan, are here to help you navigate the season safely. Understanding why cold air affects your airways and how to manage it is the first step toward preventing flare-ups.

Cold air is not only dry but also a direct irritant to the sensitive airways of someone with asthma. This irritation can cause the muscles around the airways to spasm and swell, leading to a sudden narrowing that makes breathing difficult. Your body also produces more, thicker mucus in response to the cold, further obstructing airflow. Here are five strategies we recommend to manage your asthma effectively during the colder months.

1. Cover your nose and mouth

One of the simplest ways to protect your lungs is to warm the air before you inhale it.

Breathing in through your nose naturally helps to warm and humidify the air, but when it’s especially cold, that’s not enough. By loosely wrapping a scarf or wearing a face mask over your nose and mouth, you create a pocket of air that gets warmed by your own breath. This simple barrier helps reduce the shock of cold, dry air on your airways, keeping them more relaxed and moist.

2. Stick to your treatment plan

Winter is not the time to ease up on your prescribed asthma management routine.

Consistent use of your daily controller medications, such as inhaled steroids, keeps airway inflammation under control. These medications work over time to make your airways less sensitive to triggers, such as cold air. We also advise that you always carry your quick-relief (rescue) inhaler with you. If your doctor has recommended it, using your inhaler 15-20 minutes before heading outdoors can help prevent symptoms before they start.

3. Manage your indoor environment

Since you’re likely spending more time indoors, it’s important to control indoor asthma triggers.

Central heating can make the air very dry, which can be just as irritating as the cold air outside. Using a humidifier can add moisture back into the air, but be sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold growth, which is another common trigger of asthma. It’s also a good time to be extra diligent about dusting, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and washing bedding in hot water to minimize exposure to dust mites, pet dander, and other indoor allergens.

4. Warm up before outdoor activity

If you enjoy exercising outdoors, a proper warm-up can significantly improve how your lungs handle the cold.

Dr. Rosenberg often suggests that a brief indoor warm-up can prepare your airways for the transition to colder temperatures. Spending 5-10 minutes doing light activity, such as walking in place, jogging on a treadmill, or dancing to a few songs, can help get your blood flowing and allow your lungs to ease into the activity, making them less reactive to the cold air once you get outside.

5. Have an asthma action plan

The Macomb Medical Clinic team can help you develop a personalized Asthma Action Plan. This plan outlines exactly what to do based on your symptoms — from daily management to handling a mild flare-up or a severe asthma attack. It should clearly state which medications to take, when to take them, and when it’s necessary to seek emergency medical care. Reviewing this plan ensures you get prepared for any situation.

Don't let cold-weather asthma keep you from having a cheery holiday season. To learn more about managing your symptoms, call our office or book online to schedule an appointment today.