Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, outlines what can trigger asthma in winter and how to manage symptoms for easier breathing.
For people living with asthma, winter brings more than just chilly mornings; it often brings tight chests, wheezing, and a higher risk of asthma attacks. Cold air, dry indoor environments, and increased exposure to dust, smoke, and other indoor triggers can all contribute to flare-ups during the colder months.
What Triggers Asthma in Winter?
While asthma symptoms can occur year-round, winter adds several unique challenges. Common triggers include:
- Cold, dry air that shocks and tightens the airways.
- Viral infections, such as colds and flu, can inflame the lungs.
- Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mould.
- Smoke from fireplaces, braais, or heaters.
- Sudden temperature changes, like moving from a warm room into cold outdoor air.
How To Breathe Easier
The good news is that most winter-related asthma symptoms can be prevented or managed with a proactive approach. Here are practical tips to help people with asthma reduce risk and stay comfortable throughout the season:
1. Keep Warm, but Breathe Smart
Cold air constricts airways. Wear a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth when going outside, as it helps warm the air before it reaches your lungs.
2. Use a Humidifier
Dry indoor air from heaters can irritate the lungs. A humidifier can help, but be sure to clean it regularly to prevent mould growth.
3. Avoid Indoor Smoke
Reconsider using open fireplaces or coal-burning stoves. Avoid smoky indoor environments and never allow smoking inside the house.
4. Stick to Your Treatment Plan
Take prescribed controller inhalers consistently—even when you feel fine. Use your reliever pump as instructed and keep it with you when travelling.
5. Stay on Top of Infections
Get your flu vaccine and wash your hands frequently to help prevent colds and the flu. These common viruses are among the leading asthma triggers during winter.
6. Clean Up Indoor Triggers
Vacuum and dust your home weekly. Wash bedding in hot water and consider allergy-proof mattress covers.
7. Know Your Warning Signs
Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness that worsen at night or in cold weather are signs that your asthma is not well-controlled. Consult your doctor for a review of your treatment plan.
When To See a Doctor
If your asthma is waking you up at night, limiting your activity, or making you rely on your reliever pump more than twice a week, it’s time to see your healthcare provider. Asthma can be a silent threat, and some people only realise they’re in danger once it’s too late. For children, extra care is needed. Young ones may not communicate symptoms clearly, so look out for frequent coughing, fast breathing, or a “pulling in” of the chest when they inhale.
Asthma and Mental Health
Living with a chronic condition like asthma doesn’t just affect the body; it can take a toll on your emotional well-being, too. The fear of an unexpected attack, avoiding physical activities, or feeling self-conscious about using an inhaler in public can impact self-esteem and confidence. That’s why consistent management, education, and support are so important. With the right treatment plan, lifestyle adjustments, and access to reliable healthcare, asthma can be effectively controlled year-round. Affinity Health’s Chronic Medication Benefit helps ensure that individuals living with long-term conditions, such as asthma, have affordable access to the medication and care they need, especially during high-risk seasons like winter.
Conclusion
With winter presenting unique respiratory challenges, it’s essential for individuals with asthma and parents of children with asthma to be proactive, prepared, and informed. Staying warm, managing triggers, and adhering to prescribed treatments can dramatically improve quality of life during the colder months. Asthma doesn’t have to take control of your winter.