As we are experiencing the beginning of the rainy season of this year, with it there are more complications when it comes to respiratory problems. Flu, asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD - and pneumonia are not to be trifled with.
During the colder rainy months, Many people find that their asthma symptoms flare up and become more severe. This week we are discussing the effect that cold weather has on asthma and how you can help to reduce your symptoms and stay safe this winter.
HOW DOES COLD WEATHER AFFECT ASTHMA?
Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects your airways, causing them to swell and become narrower when exposed to specific triggers. Cold weather is especially problematic for people with asthma. Here are several reasons why cold air can increase asthma symptoms.
The best way to beat the cold air and reduce your asthma symptoms is to get your asthma under control. Unmanaged asthma is the leading cause of asthma attacks and hospitalizations, so it’s crucial that you develop a comprehensive treatment plan alongside your doctor. If your asthma symptoms are worsening, you may need a change in your medication, treatment schedule, or drug delivery method.
You can also consider simple fixes, such as loosely wrapping a warm scarf around your mouth when breathing in cold air outdoors, and always having your rescue inhaler available if you need it.
COLD AND FLU SEASON
The rainy and winter months tend to be the time of year that colds, flu, and many other respiratory infections circulate. These infections can exacerbate asthma symptoms significantly, so it’s essential to take precautions, such as having your flu shot. The cold weather can also cause people to spend a lot more time indoors where asthma triggers such as dust, mould, and animal dander are found.
In rainy and winter, with lower temperatures and high humidity levels, the likelihood of worsening chronic respiratory disease increases, as these patients are more susceptible to respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. “The cold is a bronchial irritant and therefore facilitates the onset of respiratory diseases”
In this way, it reveals as essential therapy in the fight against this type of diseases “the vaccination of influenza and pneumonia should be seen as essential. Cleaning the airways is another precaution to take.
COLD AIR DRIES THE AIRWAYS
When you breathe in cold, dry air, the thin layer of fluid that lines your airways evaporates faster than it can be replaced. This leads to irritated and swollen airways, and a worsening in asthma symptoms. In addition, cold air encourages the production of histamine, which plays a role in immune response and inflammation.
COLD AIR INCREASES MUCUS PRODUCTION
During cold weather, your body produces thicker and stickier mucus than normal. This increase in mucus can make it more likely for you to catch a cold or respiratory infection.
HOW CAN YOU BEAT THE COLD AIR?
1.Strict compliance with the prescribed medication.
2. Make Vaccines to increase protection against influenza and pneumonia.
3. Perform bronchial hygiene techniques/chest percussions if you have phlegm.
4. Avoid polluted environments, especially tobacco smoke.
5. Have a healthy lifestyle, such as good nutrition, restful sleep and little stress.
6. Perform regular physical activity, as it is a good way to improve the capacity of the immune system and prevent cardiovascular disease.
7. In the case you are chronic lung patient, there must be regular follow up by the doctor and strict compliance with the prescribed medication should be maintained.
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