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Is Cold Air an Asthma Trigger for You?

Do you start to cough after going out in the cold? Do you avoid outdoor activities in the winter because your asthma bothers you?

The cold air could be triggering your asthma. Normally as we breath in through our nose, air is warmed as it passes through the airways into the lungs. In the winter, the shock of the cold air can trigger a reaction in your airways, which you experience as an asthma attack. Consult with your doctor to develop your personal asthma action plan.

Some tips to help avoid an asthma attack during the deep freeze of winter include:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf when going out in the cold, even when simply going from the house to the car or school to the bus
  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Take your rescue inhaler 15 minutes before going outside to enjoy winter recreation activities
  • Use a peak flow meter daily to monitor your asthma
  • Keep an asthma diary noting temperature and environmental conditions, which may cause your asthma to flare up. Pay attention to symptoms that may indicate worsening asthma - declining peak flows, cough, nighttime awakening, or increased use of rescue inhaler.
  • Talk with your doctor about using a controller medication if you are experiencing symptoms of asthma greater than two days during the week or two nights per month.

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