Feb 25 2007
Control your asthma in cold weather
For people living with asthma, winter is a time to be aware of conditions that could trigger asthma symptoms. The key to enjoying the winter season is to keep your asthma controlled.
Here are a few tips to help manage asthma in cold weather:
. Get the flu shot. An influenza vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the virus during the winter months. For children and adults living with asthma, it is especially important since the flu and colds can trigger symptoms.
. Speak to your doctor. Your physician is a key source for information during the winter months. Download The Lung Association’s Asthma Action Plan (link to online AA Plan: http://www.on.lung.ca/asthmaaction/action_plan.html) and take it to your doctor. Follow the plan for asthma management, and notify your doctor immediately if your or your child’s asthma worsens or if you or your child becomes ill during the season.
. Be prepared. Make sure you are ready to handle an asthma episode before it happens. This includes making sure that you and/or your child has the proper medication on hand at all times.
. Bundle up. You know that you need to dress warmly in the winter months. When outside in the cold weather, deep breaths evaporate moisture within the airways. This cooling and drying of the airways can be a trigger for an asthma attack. Make sure that you have a scarf covering your face to prevent inhaling cold air through your nose and mouth. Be aware of the worsening signs of asthma. Know your triggers. Even people with asthma should be able to spend time outside in winter if their asthma is under control. Be prepared. Follow your written action plan. . Breathe easy indoors. Most Canadians spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality an important health concern, especially during the winter months. For the 2.5 million Canadians living with asthma, poor indoor air quality can lead to serious health problems and play a significant role in triggering asthma symptoms. More information on ways to clean up the air inside your home during the winter season is available online at www.on.lung.ca. Click on Air Quality and on the PDF “Breathe Easy Indoors During The Winter”.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
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