Cold Weather and Asthma: Here’s How To Breathe Easier This Winter

Winter can take your breath away — and we’re not talking about the breathtaking beauty of a fresh snowfall.

If you have asthma, cold weather can turn breathing into a struggle whenever you’re outside. But there are ways to keep your asthma managed so you can breathe easier when a deep freeze hits.

Pediatrician Roopa Thakur, MD, has some hot tips to breathe better in the cold.

What is cold-induced asthma?

Cold-induced asthma happens when breathing in cold, dry air narrows your airways, leading to asthma symptoms. It can cause your airways to become inflamed and extra sensitive, making breathing difficult.

As you might expect, winter and cold-induced asthma go hand in hand (or gloved-hand in gloved-hand). Dr. Thakur explains why:

• Low temperatures: “Cold air irritates the airways,” says Dr. Thakur. “That can lead to swelling and a tightening of airway muscles, making it more difficult for air to pass through.”
• Dry air: Both the cold outdoor air and furnace-heated indoor air tend to be extra dry during winter. That lack of moisture can dry out and inflame your airways, resulting in coughing and wheezing.
• Cold and flu season: Respiratory viruses are more common in winter — and they’re a major trigger for asthma, as they irritate already sensitive airways.
• Indoor allergens: Winter weather tends to drive folks indoors, where asthma-triggering allergens like pet dander and dust can build up to set off an asthma attack.

Symptoms of asthma in cold weather

Cold air can trigger the same asthma symptoms you might experience at other times of year, including:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness, pain or pressure
• Coughing, especially during or after cold exposure

If you notice these symptoms more often in winter, cold air may be behind the problems, says Dr. Thakur.

Diagnosing asthma triggered by cold

Doctors may use a combination of questions, exams and lung function tests to determine if cold temperatures trigger your asthma. The action plan could include any or all of the following:

• Taking a medical history: Your provider will ask when your symptoms occur. (Hint: They’re really interested in whether your asthma flares up in cold air or during outdoor activities in winter.)
• Listening to your lungs: Stethoscopes aren’t just a fashion statement to go with a white coat. Expect your doctor to use it to listen to your lungs for signs of wheezing or other issues.
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): A spirometry test measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly. A drop in airflow after exposure to cooler air could be a sign of cold-induced asthma.
• Cold-air or exercise challenge test: You may be asked to exercise or breathe cold air in a controlled setting. If your lung function drops after the test, it can confirm cold-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).

Managing cold-induced asthma

Cold-induced asthma doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all winter. With the right steps, you can minimize your risk of flare-ups and keep your breathing managed.

1. Follow your treatment plan

Asthma maintenance is key, especially in winter. So, don’t wait until you have trouble breathing to take your prescribed asthma meds. “Inhaled steroids reduce airway inflammation and should be taken daily, even if you feel fine,” states Dr. Thakur.

2. Limit time outside

If you start coughing when temperatures plummet, try to adjust the amount of time you spend out in the elements. “Limit time outside as best you can when the conditions really seem to affect you,” recommends Dr. Thakur.

This is especially true when exercising, as cold air plus physical activity can be a double trigger. Lean toward indoor workouts when it’s freezing outside if you’re prone to exercise-induced asthma.

3. Cover your mouth and nose in cold air

Wearing a scarf doesn’t just keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose. It can also help warm and humidify cold air before it reaches your lungs, emphasizes Dr. Thakur. (A mask can also be effective.)

4. Add moisture to the air

The solution for air that’s too dry? Add moisture! Running a humidifier in your home can ease the dryness to help you breathe more easily. (Just be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold, another asthma trigger.)

5. Avoid germs

Staying healthy is everyone’s goal during cold and flu season, but there’s an extra incentive if you have asthma, as respiratory infections can quickly lead to asthma attacks. Take precautions by:

• Limiting contact with people who are sick
• Staying away from crowds when illnesses are going around
• Washing your hands often
• Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces

Final thoughts

If you’re worried about cold-induced asthma this winter, don’t wait to ask for help.

“Reach out to your doctor anytime,” advises Dr. Thakur. “They can help adjust your plan so you can enjoy the season.”