As temperatures drop across Chicago, many people with asthma notice their symptoms getting worse—even if they haven’t been around any of their usual triggers. Cold, dry air is a trigger all on its own, and understanding why can help you stay ahead of flare-ups this winter.
Why Cold Air Triggers Asthma Symptoms
When you breathe in cold air, your airways have to work harder to warm and humidify it before it reaches your lungs. For people with asthma, this extra effort can cause the airways to narrow, leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. Dry winter air can also irritate already-sensitive airways, making symptoms worse even during everyday activities like walking outside or taking the dog for a walk.
Common Winter Asthma Triggers
Cold air is only part of the picture. Winter brings several other factors that can compound asthma symptoms:
- Indoor heating, which circulates dust and can dry out airways further
- Increased time indoors, leading to more exposure to dust mites, pet dander, and mold
- Cold and flu season, since respiratory illnesses are one of the most common asthma triggers
- Fireplace smoke, which can irritate the lungs even for people without asthma
Tips for Managing Asthma This Winter
- Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when outdoors, which helps warm the air before it reaches your lungs
- Warm up gradually before exercising outdoors, since jumping straight into intense activity in cold air is a common trigger
- Keep quick-relief medication with you at all times during colder months, even if symptoms have been well controlled
- Use a humidifier indoors to help offset the dry air from your heating system
- Get a flu shot, since respiratory infections can significantly worsen asthma symptoms
- Stick to your asthma action plan, and don’t skip maintenance medications just because symptoms feel mild
When to Check In With an Allergist
If you’re using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, waking up at night with symptoms, or finding that winter always seems to bring your asthma out of control, it may be time to revisit your treatment plan. An allergist can help determine whether your current medications are still the right fit, and whether additional triggers—like indoor allergens—are playing a role.
At Premier Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Care, our board-certified allergist and advanced practice providers help patients throughout the Chicago area manage asthma all year long, including the challenges cold weather brings. If winter is making your asthma harder to control, schedule a visit and breathe easier this season.