Prevent Asthma flare-ups this Winter.

It is starting to get cold, and I am starting to get more calls and visits with my asthma patients. Unfortunately, the cold weather is not a great fit for patients with asthma and wintertime can be a potentially dangerous time of the year for many people with asthma.

People with asthma have a certain amount of inflammation in their airways all the time. The inflammation is what causes narrowing and makes it harder for air to get to the lungs making it hard to breath. Changes in weather and fluctuations in temperature are a known trigger for asthma flare ups.

When a patient with asthma breaths in cold air that is dry, they get spasm in their airway which irritates the lining and causes wheezing, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath

In addition to the cold weather, winter brings colds, flu, viruses and now COVID-19 which can all lead to inflammation in the airways and worsen asthma symptoms or cause flare up of asthma.

A few things you can do to prevent flare up of asthma during cold weather include:

·         Make sure you have your asthma action plan. If you do not have one, please get in touch with your doctor or child’s pediatrician to get one completed for you. Simple form that will tell you what to do when you have symptoms of asthma.

·         Cover your nose and mouth with scarf or mask during cold weather to warm the air before you breathe it in

·         If you want to exercise outdoors, make sure to avoid working out early in the morning or late at night when it is very cold. If you can, work out in the gym or at home.

·         Make sure your filters in heating and cooling ducts are clean. This helps with better indoor air quality

·         You can use a humidifier however please make sure you clean it regularly to prevent mold buildup

·         If you are prescribed a daily inhaler, please make sure to use it. Get a refill and keep on hand

·         If you have a rescue inhaler, make sure to take it with you when you leave the house and keep it on your nightstand at night. Get a refill and keep on hand

·         Get your Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to decrease your risk of severe illness.

Stay safe and healthy this winter. Wash your hands frequently. Wear your mask. Decrease risk of asthma flare up. If however you do get symptoms please call your doctor if mild symptoms and seek emergent care for severe symptoms. All members of One Health DPC can call or text us anytime including after hours and weekends for virtual care if with any concerns.

Thank you for reading.

-Dr. Elsie Osei @ One Health DPC (828-360-8359)

Educational. Asthma. Family Medicine. Asheville, NC.