Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs, making breathing difficult. The symptoms of this condition can be exacerbated by the winter, as cold air can irritate your airways and allergies can further complicate breathing, making you feel like you are struggling to take that next breath. These circumstances can lead to difficulty carrying out daily activities and potential hospital visits if not appropriately managed. At Premier Medical Associates, we want you to breathe easy all year long. so we've come up with some tips to help you manage your asthma during this time of year.
By taking some precautions, those with asthma can comfortably survive the winter months without their condition becoming too problematic. If you or a loved one suffer from asthma or other allergies, visit the specialists at Premier Medical Associates. Our allergists and asthma specialists are experienced in helping to manage these conditions and can provide detailed treatment plans to keep you healthy all year round.
Premier Medical Associates is an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network and is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Our highly experienced care team provides services like allergy/asthma management and primary care for you and your loved one’s needs. If you would like more information, please follow up with your primary care physician.
1. Use Your Preventer Inhaler Regularly
A preventer inhaler is used daily to help prevent asthma symptoms. You must use it regularly, especially during winter, as this will help to reduce the chances of an attack. Take your preventer inhaler as prescribed by your doctor to keep your airways clear and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
2. Wear A Scarf
The cold air can affect those with asthma, so make sure you always have a scarf with you when you are going outdoors. The fabric will help to create a barrier between the cold air and your lungs, allowing for easier breathing
.3. Stay Indoors
Where possible, limit your time outside in the cold weather. Opt do to activities indoors instead if possible, and try to stay warm with jackets and other layers when necessary. This will help avoid triggering an asthma attack while helping to keep you warm and healthy in the colder months.
4. Try Steam Inhalation
Steam is a great way to relieve symptoms of asthma. It works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and improves airflow by clearing out mucus and congestion from the chest area. You can do this at home with a bowl of boiling water or by taking a hot shower. This technique is perfect for days that feel particularly difficult due to high pollen counts or cold weather outside.
5. Check Your Local Air Quality
Air quality can worsen during the winter, so make sure to check the air quality index before you go outside if you have asthma. If the levels are too high, stay indoors as much as possible and use an air purifier if needed.
6. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a great way for those with asthma to build up lung capacity and reduce inflammation in the lungs, which will improve breathing overall. Make sure that you talk with your doctor about what type of exercise will best suit you during the winter months so that you don’t trigger an attack while trying to stay fit!
7. Be Prepared
Make sure that you always have access to medications such as reliever inhalers or nebulizers if necessary so that you can be prepared for any flare-ups throughout the winter months. It’s also important to understand what triggers an asthma attack for you so that you can avoid them where possible, such as avoiding areas with high pollen counts or keeping away from strong fragrances which may irritate your lungs further.
8. Keep Your Doctor In The Loop
See your doctor regularly for check-ups to ensure that you are managing your asthma properly during the winter months. They may advise on particular medications or lifestyle changes which can help to reduce any flare-ups. They can also provide good advice for keeping you well during this time of year.
By taking some precautions, those with asthma can comfortably survive the winter months without their condition becoming too problematic. If you or a loved one suffer from asthma or other allergies, visit the specialists at Premier Medical Associates. Our allergists and asthma specialists are experienced in helping to manage these conditions and can provide detailed treatment plans to keep you healthy all year round.
Premier Medical Associates is an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network and is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Our highly experienced care team provides services like allergy/asthma management and primary care for you and your loved one’s needs. If you would like more information, please follow up with your primary care physician.
