Cold weather could be one of the many things that can bring on your asthma symptoms and, with the increased risk of the cold or flu, it can be hard to stay healthy when the temperature falls.
The number of people admitted to hospital with problems related to asthma soars during the months when the weather is particularly cold.
As well as breathing cold air into the lungs setting off an attack, catching a cold or coming down the flu can make a sufferer’s condition even worse.
Around 75 percent of people with asthma say that cold air can trigger their symptoms, according to the charity Asthma UK, while 90 percent say have a cold or the flu makes has a negative impact on their condition.
Those who regularly take their medication and stay in control of their asthma are less likely to suffer an attack caused by these factors.
To avoid triggering an attack during cold weather you should take your regular preventer medicines and always carry your blue inhaler with you.
If cold air is one of the things you know triggers your asthma symptoms, take your reliever inhaler before going outside, keep warm and use a scarf over your nose and mouth to warm up the air you breathe and be careful when exercising. Make sure you warm up thoroughly and use your inhaler before you start.
If you do suffer from asthma, it is important to be aware of the signs of an attack. If you begin coughing more than usual, get short of breath, feel a tightening of the chest and start wheezing, you need to seek immediate medical help.
By keeping in control of your asthma, you will have a better understanding of what your triggers are and how to avoid them and find it easier to relieve any symptoms as they start.
It is important to take your medication as regularly as you are prescribed and have regular reviews with your doctor.