Guest Author - Amy Anaruk

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.