Dealing with asthma in winter

For many people, asthma attacks may happen more often in the winter. Keeping your asthma under control may take a little more effort in the cold of winter, but these strategies should get you through the season without worsened symptoms.

Wash your hands: Washing your hands with soap and water is one of simplest and best ways to avoid spreading or catching colds and other viruses. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers also do the trick.

Get a flu shot: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most people age 6 months and older get an annual flu shot to help protect against the flu virus. Having asthma won't make you more susceptible, but if you do get the flu, the results could be more serious. Your doctor may also recommend that you get a pneumonia vaccine for extra protection.

Keep your mouth closed: If this sounds like something your mom told you as a kid, you are not alone. Ideally, you want to breathe through your nose, not your mouth, when you are out in the cold because the nose warms up the air for the lungs.

Exercise indoors: On days when it is bitterly cold outside going to the gym instead of exercising outside. If you still want to exercise in the fresh air, choose a time of day when it might be warmer.

Take steps to prevent asthma flares: Take a preventive dose of your asthma medicine before heading outside. Your inhaler will help open your airways and give you the extra protection you need.

Have an asthma action plan: No matter what the season, you should always know what to do if asthma symptoms flare. Your action plan should detail how to control your asthma over the long run.

Take your medications: Work with your doctor or asthma specialist to create an effective treatment plan, and continue to get regular checkups. If you find your asthma symptoms worsen in the cold weather, talk to a doctor on possibly changing the mediation.