8 Steps to Avoid Asthma Flare-ups in Winter

Winter season can be a serious problem for asthma patients because it is harder to control asthma symptoms let alone limit the triggers that cause asthma attacks during winter. For this reason, it is important to follow some steps that will alleviate the symptoms and protect against any allergens that may cause an asthma attack.

Read on to learn more about the triggers and symptoms, followed by a quick 8-step guide that will make this winter much easier for asthma patients.

Quick Facts:

-Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that is characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs thus restricting air supply.

-Asthma attacks are periodic episodes that occur for a person with asthma. Chest tightness, feeling breathless, coughing, and a noticeable overproduction of mucus is experienced.

Asthma patients find it hard to control their asthma attacks during winter because it is difficult to avoid exposure to the triggers of an asthma attack. These triggers include exposure to cold, dry winter air that can irritate the airways and cause them to spasm, as well as the heightened risk of contacting cold and flu viruses and developing sinus or respiratory tract infections that can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

If you are suffering from asthma flare-ups in winter, you should consider incorporating some habits that can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall health. You can begin with these 8 steps to avoid asthma flare-ups this winter:

Get vaccinated. A flu vaccine prior to winter can go a long way by protecting you throughout the flu season. It is recommended before the end of October.
Limit the time spent outdoors to avoid getting a cold or flu. Also, exercising outside in the cold can result in shortness of breath that can trigger an asthma attack.
Wear a scarf to cover your mouth. This will ensure that the air entering your lungs will be warm enough not to irritate your airways.
Use a humidifier. The air is usually dry indoors during winter, which calls for a humidifier that may help ease breathing.
Avoid sitting by the fireplace. The smoke coming from a fireplace or similar heating sources can trigger an attack.
Stay sanitized. Washing hands frequently for 20 seconds helps eliminate bacteria. Make sure you use soap and water instead of hand sanitizers. Also, be aware of the surfaces your hands touch and keep your hands away from your face. This will help reduce the risk of catching the cold and flu viruses.
Use a nasal spray or ointment like Nisita® Nasal Spray and Nisita® Nasal Ointment, that helps clean and moisturize the nasal mucosa and relieve a blocked or dry nose.
Hydrate yourself by drinking water or other warm fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep the mucus in your lungs thinner and therefore it is easier for your body to remove it.
Use Prospan® in case of cough to help loosen up the trapped mucous.

Lastly, it is important to visit your doctor before the winter season to discuss your illness, as well as put an asthma action plan in place to keep you protected during winter.

Nisita® wishes you a safe and sound winter season.

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