Coping With Asthma During the Winter

There are several forms of asthma, some with differing symptoms and some exacerbated by differing triggers. One thing that scientific research has shown is that one of the most common forms of asthma worsens during winter. As a result there are a range of things that parents and sufferers can do to reduce asthmatic symptoms during the colder months.

Between 80 and 90% of people with asthma find that exercise makes their symptoms worse. Couple this with the fact that cold air is a very common trigger too and you have a lot of people reluctant to exercise when it gets near to winter time. Considering asthma can also worsen when you're overweight, this combination of triggers can be dangerous and exercise is not something we should avoid. As a result, asthmatics should go about finding indoor alternatives to outdoor pursuits. For example, finding an athletics group to join. Many of these groups move to indoor tracks in winter, or you could try joining a gym with an indoor track too. If you're lucky enough to be able to afford it, treadmills are the ideal way to get you running but without facing cold shots of air straight to delicate lungs too.

If running isn't your thing and you prefer competitive sports to get your heart beat racing then look to indoor alternatives too. Ice hockey is one possibility as even though the ice you play on is still cold, it's possible to wrap your nose and mouth up in a scarf so you're not directly breathing in freezing air. Netball, indoor hockey, basketball and table tennis are all other possibilities.

Don't forget swimming, yoga and Pilates if your asthma is particularly bad when you exercise. These forms are all very calming, without needing to raise the heart rate and instead stretching and toning muscles slowly. Yoga and Pilates teachers may even teach you how to breathe more effectively while you're exercising.

Cold air can affect asthma sufferers when they're out and about too and nobody can stay inside for the whole winter. Try wearing a long, thick scarf that you can easily wrap around your nose and mouth too. If it helps, wear ear muffs to keep it up or put your hood up to keep it in place. This provides a barrier between your lungs and the harsh cold air, warming it up before you breathe it in. Also, before you venture out make sure you take asthma medication (not once you're out there and can feel the effects). This goes for before you do exercise, too.

If you can take a Thermos flask or a travel mug full of hot tea with you then this can help immensely. Cold and dry air together are awful triggers for asthma, so keeping your oesophagus warm should help warm up your airway as it's next door, and inhaling a bit of the steam before you take a sip will help too. If you have time, try making some chicken broth as this has wonderful anti inflammatory properties as well as enhancing your immune system, so you could fend off some nasty colds and coughs at the same time.

Remember to take it easy during winter if you suffer from asthma. There are always indoor alternatives to outdoor activities and just because you have to avoid harsh outdoor air, that doesn't mean you have to stay in the house for months on end!

Source: Health Guidance