Top Reasons For Worse Than Usual Asthma In Winter

Let us look at the top reasons for breathing issues getting worse in the winter and people having problems with asthma-
● Low humidity at home- Using artificial heating systems can mean that the air circulating at home is more dryer than usual- so, make sure to use a humidifier- this will help you breathe easier. It will also keep your skin feeling better, so it does not get too dry.
● Severe air pollution can cause the formation of thick smog- which can be hard to breathe in. You can see this by looking at the Air Quality Index on your phone or in the weather app. If the value is high, then air quality is poor due to greater amounts of particulate matter.
● There is more dust at home- and if you have pets at home, then add dander to the list. This can be highly triggering for particularly sensitive individuals.
● Cold and very dry air, as mentioned before, is bad too. It can dry out the air passages and cause inflammation.
● Winter is the season for flu and seasonal colds. So, getting vaccinated every year can greatly help reduce your risks of getting infected.

How To Stay Safe And Breathe Free This Winter-

Now that we have looked at the top causes for breathing issues, let us look at solutions to follow- to get better-
● You should always dress in layers- so you stay warm. This means your body won’t lose too much energy trying to keep you warm and instead divert those resources to keep you safe with the immune system.
● You should try to exercise every day - this can help improve blood circulation and heart pumping capacity. But, if you have exercise-induced asthma, then you should be careful and see about modifying exercises. You will also breathe better. But, try to work out indoors and not out in the bitter cold.
● You should try not to get exposed to smoke, dust, mites, strong odors, etc.- all of which can be asthma triggers.
● You should always be prepared with an inhaler- wherever you go. This can provide instant relief if you get exposed to any triggers unexpectedly. Using your inhaler before going out is also a good preventive measure.
● Wear a mask and scarf to keep your neck and nose warm. Dress well and cover your hands and feet too.
● You can drink warm water or sip on hot drinks throughout the day. Try not to keep the windows open at night as that is when temperatures can drop drastically.
● Steam therapy is good for you.
● Eating hot meals every day is important- it can warm you up and you will feel better.
● If there is too much moisture in your house, it can lead to mold growth, and inhaling these spores can be bad for some people.
● You should talk to a doctor when you notice that your symptoms have gotten much worse than before.