How does cold weather affect asthma?

The risk of an asthma attack is greater in cold weather. In susceptible individuals, cold air causes asthma attacks by cooling and drying the airways, causing a loss of heat and moisture from the airway lining. This leads to a series of reactions resulting in the narrowing of the airways, which then triggers a bronchial spasm.

To prevent cold-induced asthma attacks, try to keep the air you breathe warm and moist. If outdoors, this can be accomplished by wearing a mask or scarf over the mouth and nose. Exercise can exacerbate the problem, so people who are susceptible to cold-air asthma attacks should exercise in a climate-controlled environment, such as a fitness center.

Resources:

The American Lung Association offers an article on weather and asthma as well as general asthma info.

National Jewish Medical Center offers a fun quiz for kids to learn more about asthma.

January 11, 2003