Many people look forward to winter fun, but if you are one of those 20 million Americans who is diagnosed with asthma, the drop in temperature causes an increase in asthma flare-ups. Asthma patients are more likely to suffer from asthma attacks in the winters. Cold can give asthmatics more than the chills. In fact, cold is considered as one of the major causes of flare-ups. When you inhale the airways in lungs tend to constrict, in asthma patients, this can aggravate symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The cold weather also gives rise to sinus and upper respiratory tract infections that can trigger or worsen asthma. However, it is still possible for asthma patients to enjoy the winter season. Here are a few tips that help you keep asthma attacks at bay during cold weather months:
- Follow good hygiene- In cold weather, you are more likely to suffer from cold and flu, and if you get the infection you might suffer from asthma flare-ups. However, you can minimize the risk by following healthy habits such as:
- Washing hands- Make it a habit of washing hands often, as it will help you protect from getting infected with viruses and other infections when you touch your mouth, nose or eye.
- Avoiding contact with individuals who are sick with flu- If your friend or a colleague at the workplace is suffering from the common cold, prefer maintaining a distance from him/her to avoid affecting your healthy body.
- Avoid going outside to perform yoga or exercises- Choose to workout at a gym or in the area inside your room.
- Get a flu vaccine- According to the health care experts, people should get a flu shot every year to protect themselves from getting affected with flu. It is advisable to get an annual flu shot for everyone over the age of 6 months before winters sets in. Asthma patients are advised to get the injectable form of the flu vaccine instead of getting the nasal spray vaccine. Your health care specialist does not recommend a nasal spray vaccine because it contains live virus. Buy asthma products online offered by reliablerxpharmacy.com
- Cover your nose and mouth with a muffler or a scarf- This is another way to warm the hair that you breathe in winters. Wearing a scarf or a muffler over your nose and mouth will warm and humidify the cold air.
Also Read: Living with Asthma Is Easier With Knowledge
- Avoid the trigger- You might prefer staying inside in the cold weather of winters, but being indoors too will not save you from having an asthma attack until you are not breathing in asthma triggers such as dust mites, pet dander, mold and fires in the fireplace. Follow these tips to keep triggers away:
- Limit the time you spend around your dog or cat. Prefer keeping them out of your bedroom. Avoiding triggers near the place where you sleep can avoid an asthma attack.
- If mites are the culprits, consider using mite proof cover for your mattress, and pillows.
- Mold doesn’t develop in a cool and dry place, therefore try to keep your house cool and dry.
- Don’t forget to switch on the exhaust fan when cooking or dishwashing in the kitchen.
- Fix broken windows and leaky pipes in your home.
- Eat nutritious foods– Be sure to follow a healthy diet, which is rich in essential minerals and vitamins. Eat more foods that are rich in antioxidants to boost your immunity. Also, stay hydrated, by drinking plenty of water and healthy fluids. Sipping warm soups are a great option in winters. Buy asthma medications online as soon as you are finished with the prescription.
Also Read: How One Can Cure Asthma Naturally?
