Friday, January 04, 2008
It seems that my asthma is worst when the air is COLD and the air is really damp - is this common? I have few reactions that trigger my asthma to this extent. Help!
- Resources
Cold air with lots of moisture (high humidity)
1/ 8/08 9:23am
Hi Wendy!!
As a kid, the worst part of the year for me was the late fall when the schools would have the Presidential Fitness Tests. That always meant having to run outside when it was cold and damp! The worst time for an asthma attack for me!! The second worst is when it snows and I have to go shovel the car out. That cold, wet air is just an attack looking for a place to happen.
What I do is if I know I am going to have to go outside during that type of weather, first I take my inhaler as a preventative. Make sure my lungs are good a clear before I get started. Then I try to make sure I am layered in light clothing. Lighter layers help me because when I am in the cold and it appears that my lungs are tightening up because of it, I tend to break a nervous sweat which actually makes it worse. By layering in thin layers, it helps me get over breaking the sweat. Worse comes to worse, if I am having trouble breathing, I try to get to a sink and run hot water, breathing in the steam. That will help calm the spasms my lungs are in.
Like Sloane, if I can avoid the exposure, I do. It's just not fun and I think sometimes the anticipation of the attack can bring it on more quickly!
Good luck and stay in touch, let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M
By WendyC— Last Modified: 12/08/11, First Published: 01/04/08
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yes! cold air makes asthma worse.
from the aafa.org site:" Cold Weather and Asthma: The cold, too, can be less than delightful for people with asthma. Warm and humidify winter winds before they enter your lungs by wearing a scarf or muffler over your face. If these don't protect against asthma episodes, consider buying a warming mask, available at most medical supply stores. If you regularly work, play or exercise outdoors, you may need medication to prevent asthma caused by cold-weather activity. With the help of your physician, identify the best preventive medication for your condition and have an adequate supply on hand. Use this preventive medication at least 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors."
i find wearing a scarf over my mouth helps but when it's below freezing i try and do very little outdoors.
check with your doctor abt how to keep you asthma free in the winter, but it isn't just you! :-)