7 Tips for Managing Asthma Symptoms in Winter

Asthma is a chronic health condition that affects your airways. It doesn’t have a cure, but you can do some things that lessen the likelihood of having attacks. A carefully designed asthma management plan is important. 

Dr. Scott Parrotta and Dr. Ritchie Parrotta at Wynantskill Family Medicine care for patients with chronic health conditions, including asthma. They can help you create a plan for managing your asthma—that considers your individual triggers, symptoms, and activities. 

In this post, we suggest seven tips for managing your asthma during the cold, dry months of winter. 

1. Try not to breathe cold air

It’s winter; how can you possibly avoid breathing cold air? Simply staying inside all winter is not likely an option and wouldn’t be healthy even if it were. 

Consider wearing a scarf that covers your nose and mouth to help warm the air a little before it enters your airways. You might also try to breathe through your nose so that the mucous membrane can warm and add moisture to the air so it’s less irritating. 

2. Humidify

Indoor air in the winter can be desert dry. Consider adding a humidifier in the rooms where you spend most of your time. 

Be sure to clean the tank and filters regularly to prevent mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can trigger asthma and lead to even worse health issues. 

3. Schedule HVAC filter changes

Rather than relying on memory or haphazardly changing your HVAC filters whenever the thought crosses your mind, consider choosing a specific date each month, putting reminders in your phone, or otherwise scheduling when you need to change your filters. 

HVAC filters remove dust and other irritants and help your heating and air systems work more efficiently. Follow the system’s guidelines and keep extra filters on hand so you can change them as scheduled. 

4. Make and follow your plan

Your asthma action plan is crucial to managing your asthma. It’s designed especially to meet your unique needs. 

Your plan has the exact steps to follow to manage your asthma symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and help you stay as healthy as possible. We can help you develop your plan so that it works within the context of your life. 

5. Keep your meds with you 

Your inhaler is an integral part of your asthma arsenal. It’s designed to deliver a precise dose of medication to relax your airways and soothe irritation and inflammation. Using your inhaler at the first sign of an asthma attack helps prevent things from worsening. 

Keep your inhaler with you at all times and ensure it is refilled in a timely manner. If your inhaler is expired or doesn’t seem to work as effectively as it used to, make an appointment with us so that we can adjust your medication or dosing. 

6. Stay up-to-date on your flu vaccine

Getting a flu shot should probably be part of your asthma management plan. When you have asthma, you’re more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like the flu, and it can make it more likely you’ll have more severe symptoms that require hospitalization. 

7. Don’t stop moving

Being outside could trigger asthma symptoms, but don’t let that stop you from being physically active. Consider indoor walking tracks, swimming, or activities at the gym. Regular physical activity makes your lungs stronger and improves your immune system, which, in turn, helps reduce your asthma symptoms. 

Managing asthma can be challenging, but we’re here to help. If you’d like to discuss your overall health management plan or review your asthma action plan, schedule an appointment at Wynantskill Family Medicine.