In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to talk about some asthma tips for cold weather.
As the weather gets colder, people with asthma may find themselves feeling a difference in their breathing.
When you have asthma, your airways are always a little swollen, but triggers can cause the swelling to increase and extra mucus to be produced, making it hard to breathe. Cold weather in particular is a common asthma trigger because cold, dry air can irritate a person’s airways causing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Though winter brings its challenges, by being prepared you can learn to manage your symptoms and avoid triggers so you can enjoy this time of year.
If cold air is a trigger for you, the best way to keep in control is to stay indoors on the coldest days. Some experts suggest any day when temperatures drop below 10 degrees F is a dangerous time to venture outside. In these cases, consider moving outdoor activities, like exercise, to an indoor climate-controlled environment.
The more severe your asthma is the more likely cold weather can cause a flare up, so follow these guidelines:
Another way to manage your asthma is by having an updated asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is an individualized plan that shows you the steps to take to keep your asthma from getting worse and provides guidance on when to call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.
Children with asthma should have an asthma action plan that is shared with their school, daycare provider, or before/after school programs. This is in addition to orders for inhalers or other medication that would need to be administered by the school nurse or administrator in other childcare settings.
If you have questions about how to manage your asthma symptoms or about an asthma action plan it is best to contact your healthcare provider.
