Winter and cold air can be a major trigger of asthma. Many people with asthma find that when they inhale cold, dry air they develop wheezing and become short of breath. Also those that suffer with exercise-induced asthma should be especially careful about exposure to cold, dry air. It is therefore important to pre-medicate before beginning activities that cause asthma symptoms to worsen.
Various steps can be taken to avoid winter asthma flare-ups and some of these are noted below:
- Wear a scarf or mask over nose and mouth
- Exercise indoors on days when the air is particularly cold and dry
- Try and play winter sports indoors i.e. ice skating, hockey and when running try and find an indoor track.
- Use medication appropriately, and before beginning exercise
- Keep quick-relief rescue inhalers close by and in a warm place
- Stay indoors on especially windy, cold days
- Drink plenty of liquids before and after exercise to prevent drying of the airways.
We are sure that you will also have your own hot tips and tricks for coping, so please do share these with others by leaving a comment below and adding to the list.
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We sell a lot of Cold Weather Masks at this time of year and they seem to really help anyone with exercise-induced asthma. The masks are made of fleece lined with silk and are really cosy. Great for skiing or winter walks when its cold and windy.
on November 21, 2011 at 3:51 pm Janet