It's getting cold outside even here in the coastal Deep South, and seasonal weather like cooler, drier air can trigger bronchospasms for many asthma sufferers. The best way to avoid cold-induced flares is to make sure the air you're breathing is warm and moist. Here a few tips for avoiding asthma problems during winter:

Exercise indoors.
If you usually work out by going for a jog around the neighborhood, try exercising indoors during the coldest months instead.

Use a scarf for outdoor exercise.
You can move your regular workout indoors, but it's not really feasible to keep a child from playing outside in the snow, or so I hear. My Florida children have never lived where it snows.

For the times you or your asthmatic child are enjoying the outdoors or participating in winter sports like skiing, keep a scarf loosely wrapped around the nose and mouth. The scarf will warm the air before you breathe it in.

Consider pre-treating for cold-induced flares.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should use your bronchodilator 30 minutes before being active outside. Often, this simple step can prevent a flare triggered by the cold air.

Pass up the humidifier.
Pulmonologists (including my daughter's) don't recommend using a humidifier if you have asthma because the device increases humidity, which increases prevalance of dust mites and mold. For a more in-depth discussion of humidifiers and asthma, check out what Dr. Paul has to say.

Rather than use a humidifier, when cold, dry air bothers my daughter during an asthma flare or illness, I have her take warm showers to soothe her dry airways and loosen the mucus inside.

Got any cold weather tips of your own? Share them on the asthma messageboard.



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This article is not written by a medical professional, and information on this page should never be substituted for your physician's advice. If you have any questions about your asthma and/or allergies, you should always contact your physician first.