Asthma Care in the Winter
Asthma is a lifelong disease that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It can limit a person’s quality of life. Most people with asthma can control their symptoms and prevent asthma attacks by avoiding asthma triggers and correctly using prescribed medicines, such as inhaled corticosteroids.
Breathe DC urges adults and children who suffer with asthma, and those who are caregivers to people with asthma, to take extra care during winter months to control asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. The Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals suggest a number of tips to take care of asthma during the winter months, such as:
- Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the air before you breathe it in.
- Breathe through the nose and not through the mouth.
- When exercising outdoors, dress in layers.
- Keep indoor air clean, maintain optimal humidity, and minimize dust.
- Reduce pet dander and dust by cleaning and vacuuming regularly.
- Take all medications as prescribed, even if you feel fine.
- Wash your hands and teach your children to wash their hands properly. Keeping a bottle of Hand Sanitizer on your person can help you to protect yourself from germs after coming into contact with potentially germ-harboring surfaces when you’re out and about.
- Remember to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.