As the temperature drops and the air gets colder, you might find it harder to manage your asthma. Cold air in the winter causes your body to produce more mucus while the dryness irritates your airways. This combination on top of the prevalence of respiratory viruses can make it challenging to breathe. By taking the following steps, you can manage your asthma symptoms this season and reduce your risk of attacks. 

How Can You Manage Your Asthma During The Winter?

1. Get a Flu Shot

The flu can make your asthma symptoms more severe, as this virus can affect your breathing and cause congestion. While the vaccine won’t protect you from every strain of the flu, it can reduce your chances of contracting it. In addition to receiving the vaccine, talk to your doctor about other protective measures. They may also advise that you receive a pneumonia vaccine.

2. Take Your Medications

During the winter, your doctor may recommend taking long-term asthma medications such as daily inhalers. They may also recommend that you take your inhaler before exercise as a preventative measure. As you take all of your prescribed medications, carry your inhaler with you in case the cold air triggers an asthma attack.

3. Exercise Inside

Since the cold can irritate your airways, exercising outside on cold days can increase the chance of an asthma attack. Indoor environments are usually a better option for working out. Get a gym membership for the winter or exercise in your home. The higher humidity levels and warm air will be easier on your respiratory system, but you should still bring your inhaler with you.

4. Remove Home Allergens

As you keep the windows closed this winter, dust and other particles can circulate through your home and worsen asthma symptoms. To help your breathing and prevent an asthma attack, take measures to remove these allergens. Change the filters in your HVAC systems, have your carpets cleaned, and invest in an air purifier.

5. See Your Specialist

The best way to manage your asthma symptoms is to see your specialist. You can talk to your doctor about how often you have asthma attacks and what your most common triggers are. They will develop a management plan and adjust your medications to help you through the winter.

When managing your asthma symptoms, you need the right professionals on your side. This is why patients in West Chester, OH, trust Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, MD. With 25 years of experience, Dr. Ahmad can diagnose your condition and provide a course of treatment to help you feel your best. Whether you are experiencing skin rashes or struggle with seasonal allergies, this team will create a unique management plan for you. To view a full list of services, visit them online. You can also call (513) 777-7097 to schedule an appointment today.