Asthma and Winter Weather

Now that the holiday season is winding down, Old Man Winter seems to be winding up. Temperatures across North America are especially low and even parts of Florida are experiencing below normal temperatures. Many times, cold weather and frigid temperatures are blamed for sudden asthma attacks. While your lungs may be more sensitive to temperature changes, here are some other factors to consider during the winter months.

Many asthmatics literally breathe a sigh of relief with the first frost. Hurray! The growing season is officially over, putting an end to many allergic triggers like grass and ragweed. Well, maybe and maybe not.

Cold air, especially temperatures hovering around zero degrees, tends to be very dry. Those sunny, frigid days mean high pressure systems of arid winter air with winds that sweep away moisture from any surface, including our skin. Inside, the air quality is not much better. Our warm, heated homes also have dry air evidenced by being zapped with static electricity whenever we hit the light switch.

How does dry air affect asthma?

In order to compensate for the dry air, lungs increase mucus production. It is the additional, thick mucus in the airways that can lead to asthma problems. Drinking plenty of water is the best and simplest way to thin the mucus and keep it from building up. Remember, that does NOT mean sipping water during a sudden asthma attack. Always take your medicine as your doctor has prescribed to relieve an attack.

Instead, keep up your fluid intake on a daily basis. Your goal should be about eight, eight-ounce glasses a day. Beverages like tea, coffee and soda don’t count. Tea is a diuretic (meaning it causes your body to loose fluids) and soda is very high in sodium. Simply put, your body needs water. Not only will increasing and maintaining your water intake help your lungs, but the rest of your body will also reap the benefits, especially your skin.

As for the dry air in your home, you may be considering a whole-house humidifier. There are some pros and cons you may want to think about. While a humidifier will increase the moisture in your house’s air, a humidifier can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you decide on a room or central humidifier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for keeping the unit clean to avoid mold and mildew buildup.

And while you are cleaning your humidifier, remember to clean or change your furnace’s air filter. Most manufacturers and the American Lung Association recommend changing the filter every three months.

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