Asthma is not an uncommon respiratory disease. However, some people still don’t understand what asthma is.
We are going to walk you through all the things you need to know about asthma and how especially cold seasons can affect it.
What is Seasonal Asthma?
Most people who suffer from asthma can experience seasonal asthma. Seasonal asthma is a type of allergic asthma where the changes in the season and weather will trigger the asthma of a person suffering from it. Each person who suffers from seasonal asthma can have different forms of triggers.
Most healthcare workers recommend people with asthma make an asthma action plan each year so they will be able to learn how to deal with their asthma along with the changes in the season.
How Winter Can Affect Your Asthma
Asthma symptoms can change throughout the year. This is mostly because of the combination of seasonal and lifestyle changes in a person. That’s why it’s important to know how the seasons can affect someone’s asthma to ensure that those who suffer from it may avoid experiencing asthma attacks once the season starts to change.
Cold Air
One of the main asthma triggers is cold and dry air conditions. When the air is cold or dry, our lungs will have a hard time performing their normal function in helping us breathe.
What to do about it:
If you’re outside and the air is cold, you can try wearing a scarf to cover your mouth or nose. According to people with asthma, wearing scarves or other types of coverings over their noses when exposed to cold air helps humidify and warm the air that enters through their noses. This also helps reduce asthma symptoms.
Colds and Flu
Flu and other types of viral infections are one of the most common reasons why asthma flare-ups happen to those who suffer from asthma.
What to do about it:
Since you can’t avoid the flu, all you can do is reduce the chances of catching these viral infections by simply doing the things listed below:
- Wash your hands before and after touching your face, mouth, or nose.
- When you cough/sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow.
- If possible, avoid crowded places.
- Get vaccinated (flu vaccine) once a year.
- Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
Winter Heating
Only a few people know this but sometimes winter heating systems can also trigger asthma such as unflued gas heating, fan-forced ducted heating, or wood fire heaters.
What to do about it:
The best way to minimise these triggers is to use an alternative heating system for your home.
Air Quality
Poor air quality can also be a trigger for people who suffer from asthma.
What to do about it:
- Avoid areas with polluted air.
- Always carry your puffer.
- Keep a copy of your Asthma Action Plan with you.
How to Make an Asthma Action Plan
Asthma symptoms may vary from one person to another. But even though you may not experience some symptoms, it’s still better to be prepared. That’s why we are here to help you learn how to make an asthma action plan and avoid experiencing asthma attacks during the different seasons.
These are mostly the elements that your asthma action plan needs to cover:
- Make sure you always bring your asthma medicine like your asthma preventers
- Know how to manage a full-blown asthma attack
- Know what triggers your asthma
- If you see any symptoms of an asthma flare-up, call your doctor right away
- Always be cautious of your surroundings
Some people think that asthma is a medical condition that can easily be cured. However, they do not know how deadly this disease can be — especially if not immediately taken care of. That’s why we at Home Healthcare Online recommend everyone who suffers from asthma always be prepared. If you are looking for asthma care products that can help you with your asthma problems, visit our site today. We also have other products like filter inserts Australia, asthma spacers Australia and mask spacers Australia.