Learn more about asthma triggers, manifestation, and symptoms, as well as ways to manage it in different seasons with WeatherWell

Asthma: Everything You Need to Know to Manage It

<p>More than 25 million people in the United States have asthma, and many of them experience cold-induced symptoms during the winter. So while you may want to enjoy the snow and outdoor festivities, it could come at a cost. </p>
<p id="appendcover">Many factors play a role in asthma symptoms and attacks, but you have the power to prevent or minimize them.</p><h2 id="connection">Asthma and cold air: What’s the connection?</h2>
<p>Many people have asthma, and some symptoms get worse when it gets colder outside. Why is that? If you love the snow and outdoor activities such as skiing and sledding, you may not know whether to look forward to the winter months or dread them.</p>
<p>Cold-induced asthma is also referred to as winter asthma and cold weather asthma. As conditions change outside, your internal respiratory system can be slow to react. Winter air tends to be colder and drier than summer air, leading to an increased chance of an asthma attack.</p>
<p class="textbox"><strong>Detect weather-related asthma triggers early&nbsp;with WeatherWell!&nbsp;<br></strong><strong></strong><a href="https://weatherpulse.onelink.me/vCcq/qn3dleib" target="_blank">Download our free app</a> to stay healthy and active in any weather</p>
<p>When you breathe in cold air, your airways shrink and your lungs tighten up. This forces you to breathe harder to get enough oxygen. The temperature of the air can also cause your body to release histamine. This is a chemical that the immune system creates when it detects the presence of an allergen and can lead to asthma symptoms, such as wheezing.</p>
<p id="causes">Even more dangerous than the temperature is how dry the air is.&nbsp;</p><blockquote>When you breathe in dry air, your airways can become irritated.&nbsp;</blockquote>
<p id="causes">When this occurs, the protective mucus that usually lines your airways dries up faster than it can be replaced. As a result, the dry air rubs against the vulnerable lining, causing irritation. This can lead to painful, difficult breathing, coughing, and wheezing.&nbsp;</p><h2>Is it cold-induced asthma? Other potential causes</h2>
<p>Although the cold dry air is a common trigger of asthma, other factors could also be irritating your airways in the winter. Being aware of what affects you can help you take precautions when needed.</p><h3>Pollen</h3>
<p>While pollen is usually associated with spring and summer, it is also present in late winter and very early spring. If you are allergic to pollen and spending time outdoors, it may be hard to determine whether the weather or the pollen is causing your asthmatic symptoms.</p>
<p>Common side effects of being allergic to pollen are skin reactions, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion that results in sneezing and a runny nose.</p><h3>Exercise</h3>
<p>Activities such as trail running, skiing, and shoveling snow will keep you outdoors for some time. These activities are great ways to break a sweat while keeping your heart rate up, but they can cause issues for people with asthma.&nbsp;</p><p><img data-image="3u4mursa65ox" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/blt94a909d09d993810/62860190ead0d2559909b201/people_exercising_in_the_cold_with_asthma-min.png" data-sys-asset-uid="blt94a909d09d993810" alt="People exercising in the cold with asthma"></p>
<p>When you are exercising, no matter the environment, you tend to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose in order to get more oxygen. Your nose acts as a humidifier and filter when you breathe in air. It also warms up the air before it hits your airways and lungs.</p>
<p>This filtration process doesn’t happen when you breathe through your mouth during exercise. So not only are your lungs working extra hard while you are exercising, but you are also sending icy air to those lungs. This process can lead to trouble breathing and coughing.</p><h3>General irritants</h3>
<p>Whether you have asthma or not, you are more likely to suffer from respiratory issues during the winter months. This is because people tend to stay inside more, and there are many allergens and irritants indoors. There is also less air circulation because windows stay closed.</p>
<p>This means that allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander are more securely trapped in your home and floating in the air. Tobacco smoke and strong scents may also trigger you.</p>
<p id="symptoms">Bacterial and viral infections tend to flourish when everyone is trapped inside. Many symptoms of infections are similar to those of asthma, and it can be hard to know the difference. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are related to asthma or another illness, be sure to talk to your doctor.&nbsp;</p><h2>Symptoms of cold-induced asthma</h2>
<p>Symptoms of cold-induced asthma usually occur shortly after being exposed to cold and dry air. To identify whether you are experiencing cold-induced asthma or an allergy, look out for the following symptoms, which are more indicative of asthma rather than allergy:</p><ul><li><strong>Coughing and wheezing</strong></li><li><strong>Difficulty breathing</strong></li><li><strong>Chest tightness and/or pain</strong></li><li><strong>Narrowed airways</strong></li><li><strong>Increase in mucus production</strong></li><li><strong>Inflamed respiratory tract</strong></li><li id="treatment"><strong>Trouble speaking</strong></li></ul><h2>How to treat asthma without an inhaler in cold weather</h2>
<p>While using your inhaler is the best way to calm asthmatic symptoms, you may not always have one with you. Try the <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-manage-winter-asthma/" target="_blank">following methods</a> to prevent or minimize a cold-induced asthma attack.</p><h3>Breathe through your nose</h3>
<p>Breathing through your mouth in winter can irritate your lungs. On the other hand, breathing through your nose can provide your airways and lungs with warmer air that’s less likely to cause irritation. </p>
<p>If you are going to be exercising outdoors or want to eliminate the problems that breathing through your mouth can create, wearing a scarf or face mask over your mouth and nose can help. </p>
<p>This can also protect you from breathing in specific allergens, such as pollen.</p><h3>Plan ahead</h3>
<p>It is no fun to miss out on winter activities just because you have asthma, and there are a few measures you can take so you can still go out and enjoy yourself. Planning ahead can greatly lessen and even eliminate symptoms you may otherwise experience.</p>
<p class="textbox">WeatherWell can help you plan your outdoor activities!&nbsp;<a href="https://weatherpulse.onelink.me/vCcq/qn3dleib" target="_blank">Download free today&nbsp;</a>to take control of your asthma symptoms!</p>
<p>As for your daily movement, try to work out indoors when you can. If you are going to be exercising outdoors, give yourself 5 to 10 minutes to warm up indoors first. This will get warm air into your lungs and get your blood flowing. Also, plan to be outdoors during the warmest time of day, usually between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.</p><h3>Stay warm</h3>
<p>If you can, avoid going outdoors when it is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less. The lower the temperature gets, the worse your symptoms can be. </p>
<p>If you are outdoors and start to experience any respiratory discomfort or an attack, move indoors as quickly as possible. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, they should subside after a number of minutes. This will start to happen when your airways and lungs are warm and begin to open up.&nbsp;</p><p><img data-image="wtzk6co5dlme" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/bltd8606c4cd609beb6/62860220dffcc8654954e94e/a_man_walking_in_the_snow-min.png" data-sys-asset-uid="bltd8606c4cd609beb6" alt="A man with asthma walking in the snow"></p>
<p>Although it may be tempting to start a cozy fire in the fireplace, that may not be the best plan. The smoke from the fire can irritate your lungs and increase asthma symptoms. Instead, wrap yourself in blankets or hop in a warm shower or bath.</p><h3>Remove allergens from your home</h3>
<p>Set yourself up for success by removing or minimizing allergens in your house. Windows are usually closed during winter, and your heating system may be blasting. This means that dust, mold, and pet dander can more easily blow around in the air.</p><blockquote>Using an air purifier can help control dust mites and mold.&nbsp;</blockquote>
<p>In addition, stay on top of vacuuming and dusting. Also be sure to wash your bedding frequently and consider using allergy-proof blankets.</p>
<p id="covid">These steps are helpful year-round, but they are essential in the colder months.</p><h2>Cold-induced asthma and COVID-19: What you need to know</h2>
<p>With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are worried about getting sick. </p>
<p>If you have asthma, it’s important to know you are not at a higher risk of catching COVID-19 than others. But if you do catch it, the symptoms could be much worse because of your compromised respiratory system. Getting COVID-19 could lead to an asthma attack, pneumonia, or other lung diseases.</p>
<p>Getting vaccinated, avoiding crowds, and wearing a mask are all significant steps to prevent catching the coronavirus. Wearing a mask can also help prevent asthma symptoms by warming the air you breathe.</p><h2>Final thoughts</h2>
<p>It can be more challenging to control your asthma symptoms in the winter, but it is still possible. Doing things such as going outside when it’s warmest, eliminating allergens, and breathing through your nose can prevent your airways and lungs from shrinking and becoming irritated. Whether you prefer to spend your time indoors or outdoors, with these tips, you can stay comfortable and healthy when it’s cold outside.</p>

A pair of mittens and an inhaler to treat asthma in the cold

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If you have asthma, you may have noticed that its manifestations change depending on the weather. Learn more about this connection and protect yourself from cold-induced asthma with WeatherWell.

Cold-Induced Asthma: How Does Cold Weather Affect You?

Asthma

<p><em>Is it difficult for you to exercise outdoors in winter without triggering an asthma flare-up?&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>Do you struggle with wheezing and chest tightness on a humid day?&nbsp;</em></p><p>If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with asthma, you may be wondering if it’s true that extreme weather can trigger flare-ups.</p><p id="appendcover">In this article, we explore the pathophysiology of asthma and the impact that weather and seasonal changes have on this condition. You’ll also learn how to control asthma flare-ups by understanding your triggers and implementing lifestyle strategies.</p><h2 id="whatis">What is asthma?</h2><p>Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that causes narrowing of your airways – or bronchi – and makes it difficult to breathe.</p><p>The pathophysiology of asthma involves an overactive immune system that reacts to harmless environmental stimuli. In response to these stimuli, immune cells release inflammatory chemicals. This causes the muscles surrounding your bronchi to contract, making it difficult for air to enter and leave your lungs.</p><p class="textbox"><strong>Take control of your asthma with WeatherWell! </strong><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weatherwell-health-forecast/id1565394543" target="_self">Download our free app</a> to detect weather-related asthma triggers in advance. Stay healthy and active in any weather!</p><p>Your body also ramps up mucus production in response to the inflammation, creating another airway obstruction.</p><p>The inability to breathe is one of the harshest manifestations of an asthma attack. Other symptoms include:</p><ul><li><strong>Severe wheezing</strong></li><li><strong>Coughing that doesn’t stop</strong></li><li><strong>Gasping for air</strong></li><li><strong>Difficulty speaking</strong></li><li><strong>Shortness of breath</strong></li><li><strong>Chest tightness and pain</strong></li><li><strong>Skin paleness</strong></li><li><strong>Anxiety and panic attacks&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>Fatigue</strong>&nbsp;</li></ul><p id="triggers">However, symptoms vary from person to person, and not every person with asthma experiences severe or frequent attacks.</p><h3>Asthma triggers&nbsp;</h3><p>There are two forms of asthma:</p><ol><li>Atopic (allergic) asthma</li><li>Nonallergic or environmentally induced asthma</li></ol><p>Understanding your triggers is the first step in managing your symptoms.</p><h3>Is asthma an autoimmune disease?</h3><p>While your immune system plays a significant role in this condition, asthma is not an autoimmune disease.</p><p>With autoimmune diseases, the immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. With asthma, your immune system mounts an inflammatory reaction in your airways in response to external irritants.</p><p>However, autoimmune diseases and asthma have some of the same triggers, like extreme weather and stress.</p><h3>Are allergies and asthma connected?&nbsp;</h3><p>Asthma is common in both children and adults. Research also shows that if one of your parents or grandparents has asthma, you have an increased risk of developing asthma in childhood.</p><p id="weather">There is also a strong genetic link between allergies and asthma. This is due to a common gene that predisposes you to allergen-sensitivity disorders like eczema, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and hay fever.</p><h2>Can weather trigger asthma?</h2><p>Yes! Extreme weather and changing seasons are common asthma triggers. If you have inflamed airways, you’re more likely to be sensitive to the quality, temperature, and humidity of the air you inhale.</p><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img alt="A woman breathing flower pollen, an asthma trigger" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/blt5692f069afa754df/627b94ffb5ad5f2863c5fa88/A_woman_breathing_flower_pollen_an_asthma_trigger-min.png" height="auto" /></figure><h3>Seasonal asthma: Does asthma worsen during summer or winter?&nbsp;</h3><p>People with asthma typically struggle with symptoms more in winter, when they’re inhaling cold and dry air. Plus, indoor air quality may be poor during winter due to indoor fires, heating, and poor ventilation.</p><p>However, high humidity, summer heatwaves, and thunderstorms can all trigger and aggravate asthma.</p><p>Here are some of the weather conditions that trigger seasonal asthma:</p><h3>Cold-induced asthma</h3><p>Do you experience more chest tightness and wheezing in the winter?</p><p>People with seasonal asthma often struggle with cold-induced asthma. Cold air is usually dry, which can cause an asthma flare-up by dehydrating and irritating the bronchi.</p><p>Exercising outdoors on a cold day can also be dangerous. During exercise, you inhale large amounts of cold air through the mouth. This can be a shock to the respiratory system and cause bronchospasms.</p><h3>Heat-induced asthma</h3><p>Warm, still summer days often bring a respite for people with asthma living in mild climates. However, heat and high humidity can trigger heat-induced seasonal asthma in some people. In fact, high temperatures have been linked to more asthma-related hospital visits.</p><h3>Humidity and asthma</h3><p>When humidity is high, the air can feel heavy, dense, and suffocating. Breathing in humid air may quickly constrict the airways and worsen asthma attacks.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, breathing humid air is more likely to trigger asthma because it holds on to pollen, mold, dust, and environmental pollutants more easily.</p><p class="textbox">Does your weather app help with asthma? WeatherWell does! Detect possible triggers in advance and get daily insights from doctors on how to manage your symptoms! <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weatherwell-health-forecast/id1565394543" target="_self">Download FREE today!</a></p><h3>Increased pollen count and asthma</h3><p>Tiny pollen particles are a trigger for seasonal asthma. Asthma symptoms commonly peak during the spring, when pollen counts are high.</p><p>Interestingly, a phenomenon called “thunderstorm asthma” occurs during pollen season. During a thunderstorm, the combination of humidity, electrical charge, rain, and change in air pressure breaks pollen grains into small particles. They then get dispersed in the air and are easily inhaled.</p><p id="treatment">Tip: Try to become more aware of breathing through your nose if possible. The nose has specialized hairs that trap allergens and warm the air as it enters your airways.</p><h2>Does asthma go away? 8 Ways to ease symptoms</h2><p>Now that you know about the common triggers for asthma, you may be wondering where to go from here. Can asthma go away with the correct treatment?</p><p>Asthma is a chronic illness. However, you can manage symptoms – and even eliminate them – by being consistent with your medication, avoiding triggers, and making lifestyle changes.&nbsp;</p><p>Here are 7 natural tips to help you live a symptom-free life:</p><h3>1. Go for coffee</h3><p>If you’re a coffee-lover, you’ll be happy to hear that drinking coffee lowers your chances of having an asthma attack.</p><p>In addition to supporting focus and performance, research shows that caffeine has bronchodilatory properties, meaning it can relax and widen your airways. For those with mild asthma, having coffee before a stressful event, workout, or when the pollen count is high may reduce symptoms.&nbsp;</p><h3>2. Visit the sauna</h3><p>Sauna bathing may be therapeutic for people with respiratory diseases like asthma,9 especially if you’re sensitive to cold, dry air. Inhaling warm sauna air may relax your airways and improve asthma and lung function.</p><p>Plus, taking time out in the sauna for self-care helps to reduce stress – one of the biggest asthma triggers. If your asthma gets aggravated by humidity, dry heat saunas or infrared saunas are better options.</p><h3>3. Cook with spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric&nbsp;</h3><p>In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, ginger, garlic, and turmeric are well-known remedies for asthma and other respiratory conditions. These flavorful spices are rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce airway obstruction.10 Plus, these spices are believed to protect you during cold and flu season.</p><p>Try using them to make teas or adding them to meals for extra flavor. They are not a replacement for your medication but may be able to offer additional support.</p><h3>4. Relieve stress with meditation</h3><p>When you’re under stress, your body releases a stress hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline speeds up your breathing and causes your muscles to tense to prepare you to handle a threat. This is terrible for asthmatics.</p><p>Unfortunately, many of us are under chronic stress due to work, family, financial, and relationship pressures. Learning to manage stress through meditation can be a valuable way to reduce asthma flare-ups.&nbsp;</p><p>There are apps available with guided meditations of various lengths. Plus, you can incorporate slow belly breathing and visualization into meditation to enhance your relaxation response.</p><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img asset_uid="blte96659f0cb4b6b10" alt="A man working outdoors with asthma symptoms" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/blte96659f0cb4b6b10/627b94ff5f7b601eaaec369a/A_man_working_outdoors_with_asthma_symptoms-min.png" height="auto" /></figure><h3>5. Exercise more</h3><p>If you have asthma, exercise might make you nervous. But regular physical activity is essential for healthy lungs, strong immunity, weight management, and stress reduction.&nbsp;</p><p>Building your fitness slowly can help you manage your asthma. Opt for moderate-intensity exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga.</p><p>Take note: Always keep your rescue inhaler with you, and don’t exercise outdoors if the air is very cold or humid. If you’re unsure, ask your asthma doctor for guidance. &nbsp;</p><h3>6. Eat more antioxidants</h3><p>A diet rich in antioxidant compounds, like vitamins A, C, E, lutein, and lycopene, may help to calm your overactive immune system and soothe inflammation.</p><p>Try including a selection of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet every day, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Citrus fruits</strong></li><li><strong>Berries</strong></li><li><strong>Tomatoes</strong></li><li><strong>Beets</strong></li><li><strong>Broccoli</strong></li><li><strong>Leafy green vegetables&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>Red and yellow peppers</strong></li><li><strong>Carrots</strong></li><li><strong>Sweet potatoes</strong></li><li><strong>Nuts and seeds</strong></li></ul><p>Not only can this help ease asthma, but it may also reduce your risk of other chronic conditions.</p><h3>7. Enjoy the sunlight</h3><p>Vitamin D is an anti-inflammatory nutrient produced when sunlight hits your skin. It’s known as “the sunshine vitamin.”</p><p>Pretty cool, right?</p><p>Vitamin D is crucial for a balanced immune system, and research suggests that optimal levels may reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. </p><blockquote>Unfortunately, because of the amount of time we spend indoors every day, vitamin D deficiency is widespread.</blockquote><p>The best way to increase vitamin D levels is to spend 15 minutes in direct sunlight each day or as often as possible. Be sure to wear sunscreen! Also, if you struggle with heat-induced asthma or live in a cold climate, it may be safer to boost your levels with a daily supplement. You can also eat more vitamin D foods like fatty fish, eggs, liver, and fortified dairy products.</p><h3>8. Protect yourself from pollen</h3><p>Since pollen is a common asthma trigger, check the forecast by WeatherWell every day and try the following when the pollen level in your area is high:</p><ul id="summary"><li><strong>Wear a face mask</strong> and pollen-protective glasses when you go outside.</li><li><strong>Change your clothes</strong> and wash your face and hands when returning home.</li><li><strong>Use nasal spray</strong> containing salt water to remove allergens.</li><li><strong>Avoid being around pets</strong> that spend time outdoors.</li><li id="summary"><strong>Take any prescribed allergy medications</strong>.</li></ul><h2>Final thoughts&nbsp;</h2><p>Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that can flare up due to various environmental factors,&nbsp;including seasonal changes and extreme weather conditions.</p><p>Luckily, many people with asthma can manage their symptoms and live healthy, normal lives. In addition to using the lifestyle tips mentioned in this article, we suggest that you keep tabs on the WeatherWell forecast for your area. Being prepared for weather changes can help you avoid seasonal asthma flare-ups.</p><p>If your asthma symptoms worsen, please seek medical attention. You may require further testing or a change in medication.</p>

A woman experiencing asthma symptoms because of weather triggers

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Asthma can be triggered by a variety of external factors. But is it true that weather can be one of the reasons for asthma flare-ups? Find out more with WeatherWell!

Pathophysiology of Asthma: Reasons, Triggers, and Possible Treatments

Pathophysiology of Asthma: Reasons, Triggers, and Ways to Ease Symptoms Naturally

Find out how seasons and weather conditions affect your susceptibility to viruses and what really causes seasonal colds