Breathing Easy in February: How to Manage Winter Triggers for Asthma

Cold weather may have you spending more time indoors, but that doesn’t mean you’re fully protected from winter asthma triggers. Cold, dry air, respiratory illnesses, and more time inside can all worsen asthma symptoms and lead to flare-ups.

At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, we want you to breathe easy this February. Our pulmonary specialists, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel, share how you can manage your asthma symptoms throughout the winter.

Winter and asthma

Asthma is a chronic breathing disorder caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. When exposed to irritants or triggers, the inflammation worsens, making it more difficult to breathe. Changes are a common trigger.

During winter, the air is colder and drier. Breathing in cold air causes the airways to constrict, while low humidity dries out the airways. Cold weather can also increase mucus production, further restricting air movement.

Spending more time indoors helps you avoid the cold, but indoor air can still be dry and may expose you to asthma triggers such as dust, pet dander, and other allergens. Winter is also peak cold and flu season, and respiratory infections can worsen asthma symptoms.

Protect your lungs to breathe better

Taking steps to protect your lungs from cold winter air can help reduce your asthma flare-ups. When outdoors, wear a mask or scarf over your nose and mouth to help warm and moisten the air before it reaches your lungs.

When indoors, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air and air filters to minimize allergens that may trigger symptoms.

Stay healthy to prevent flare-ups

Warming, moistening, and cleaning the air is only one step in your winter-time asthma management. Supporting your overall health is also important.

Staying up-to-date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can help your immune system fight off these common respiratory viruses, preventing or reducing the severity of illness. Washing your hands and staying away from sick people can also help protect your lungs.

Prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and exercising also support both immune health and asthma control. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and Pilates are good exercise options for cold weather.

Adjusting your asthma management plan

You may need to modify your medical management plan to breathe easy in February. If you’re using your rescue inhaler more frequently or noticing worsening symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment.

Our team at Respacare can review your current plan, perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and develop a personalized treatment strategy to help you manage triggers and breathe better this winter.