Cold air triggering my asthma - Asthma Message Board

MountainReader · 12-01-2007, 08:00 PM

It is officially winter again for me. The really cold air has set in and with it my asthma cough has also returned. With the exception of the wildfires this summer, I have had my asthma under control since last winter. Is frustrating that despite daily use of Singulair and Advair 500/50, I am still having to pull out the albuterol regularly on cold air days (which is most of the winter). On top of just being annoying to those around me and being inconvenient, the coughing really does hurt at times and keeps me from getting a good breath. It will get even worse when the nasty polluted inversions set in. I expect they will be hitting soon since we now have a significant snowfall in the valleys. I do use a scarf to help filter out the cold air, but I am looking for other suggestions to help. Staying inside all the time isn't practical. I have to go out to get to work and to run day-to-day errands. Anyone out there have similar problems?

bluedog139 · 12-02-2007, 10:52 AM

I have a problem with cold air too. I've only had asthma for about 3 years and my triggers keep evolving. I've been bugged by cold the past winters but this year is different. Where I work I'm in a heated area but there are times that I need to go into another area and it isn't really heated. This week was the first time that that area dipped below freezing. I went out there out there an had an attack. It hasn't really bothered me in the past.

I have a fleece mask that I bought for anytime I go outside (to and from work and daily errands) and it makes a huge difference. I have also asked work to to buy one, because with out it I can only do half my job. I've been using the one I bought at work to make do for now.

Right now I feel like the sick kid stuck inside watching all the kids playing outside, so I get how you feel.

dizzymommy · 12-06-2007, 03:32 PM

My two year old gets asthma from cold air too. We avoid it whenever possible. Maybe trying to drink Warm tea or something when you go into extreme cold might help keep your chest area warm?? I don't know, just a thought!!

Gabby2007 · 12-06-2007, 07:08 PM

It isn't having a warm chest that would be important - it's the breathing of warm air...although the tea - or coffee - might help if it were the caffeinated version. Caffeine is a mild bronchodialator; if you drank 3 cups of it, you might feel some effect...

dazedandconfused10 · 12-08-2007, 09:08 PM

I recommend a scarf, jacket that can cover your mouth or whatever works to try and keep warm air coming in. I'm coughing the minute I've hit the cold and noticed my peak flow is down and wondering if this is temperature related??