Does cold weather affect asthma? Four tips to avoid painful asthma symptoms

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As the UK gears up for another bone-chilling cold winter, asthmatics may find themselves experiencing painful symptoms as a result of cold weather. Chilly air can trigger asthma symptoms, but other factors during the winter can also cause flare-ups.

According to Asthma UK, one in 12 British adults currently receives treatment for asthma.

Many asthmatics find their asthma becomes worse over winter, as various factors trigger asthma symptoms.

Cold weather has an impact on asthma, but so do colds and flu, damp and even central heating.

Some people find cold air causes their asthma symptoms to worsen.

This is because cold air tends to be dry, which can irritate your airways.

Your body also produces more mucus as a response to cold air which makes coughing even more unpleasant.

As mask-wearing has become much more prevalent as a result of coronavirus, you might find wearing a fabric mask when you’re walking around outside can help alleviate your symptoms.

The fabric of your mask can make the air you breathe in a little less sharp and therefore irritate your airways less.

Other asthma triggers are specific to the asthmatic person and can vary between different people.

Watch out for damp

Some asthmatics find damp and mould worsen their symptoms.

Asthma UK suggests if damp irritates your asthma to avoid drying your clothes indoors – as this adds moisture to the air – and to ensure you use an extractor fan in your bathroom and kitchen.

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Avoid catching a cold

Catching a nasty cold, flu or chest infection will make your asthma worse, and unfortunately asthmatics are more prone to chest infections.

Follow all of the precautions to avoid catching a cold or flu: regularly washing your hands, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding people who have colds and getting the flu vaccine.

Stay away from fires

No “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” – asthmatics should avoid spending time in places with a roaring fire.

Although these fireplaces and wood-burning stoves look and feel cosy, they emit pollutants which can make asthma worse.

Keep your inhalers close

During the winter it’s especially important to follow all the advice you’ve been given to manage your asthma.

Always take your preventer inhaler as prescribed, and carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times.

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