Cold-Induced Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs which occurs due to inflammation of airways, making them narrow and swollen. These swollen airways get clogged due to the secretion and deposition of extra sticky and thick mucus. Airways of asthma patients are extra sensitive to all the antigens and potential asthma triggers.
How does cold air induce asthma?
Cold air gets humidified and warm by the nose and mouth before it reaches the lungs. Cold air when enters our lungs and tightens up the muscles creating pressure while breathing. It has comparatively less moisture than the normal air we breathe in. Inhalation of cold air thus dries up our lungs, thus becoming a potential asthma trigger. Primary symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing or whistling sounds begin to appear.
New research has shown up the real reason behind asthma symptoms appearing due to cold air. It is not the coldness of the air that is to be blamed. The dryness in such air irritates the extra sensitive passages of existing patients inducing asthma symptoms, hence the real culprit. A person feels the symptoms worsening more outdoors than indoors because, during any physical activity, the intake of air by the body intensifies. During quick breathing, the mouth and nose stop warming up the air, and we are more likely to inhale cold air. This air, when it reaches the lungs, starts to tighten up the lungs causing various difficulties.
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Symptoms of Cold-Induced Asthma:
After being certainly exposed to cold air for quite some time, symptoms begin to appear or intensify depending upon the existing condition of the patient, some of these cold-induced asthma symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty while breathing
- Wheezing sound
- Coughing that intensifies while being outdoors or during any physical activity
- Tightness or congestion in the chest
Usually, these symptoms begin to disappear as we move into warmer conditions or take prescribed medication or inhalers/nebulizers as advised by the doctor. Still, sometimes, immediate medical attention is to be sought during cold-induced asthma attacks.
You can also read: Seasonal Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Treatment of Cold-Induced Asthma:
As an immediate relief, as soon as the symptoms appear or there is a cold-induced asthma attack, inhalers are to be taken, along with which bronchodilators are suggested for asthma that acts rapidly and eases down the symptoms of the cold-induced asthma disease. An asthma patient is always advised to carry their inhaler handy, especially when going outdoors.
A person whose asthma gets triggered by cold weather must seek a warm environment as quickly as possible. This will cut off the inhalation of cold air by the person, hence allowing moist air to reach, reversing the situation. Taking all the necessary precautions and medical attention is desired if the symptoms do not go away.
Certain precautions are advised to be taken care of by the expert, such as:
- Cover your nose and mouth outdoors to prevent cold air and dust from entering your respiratory passage.
- Taking warm liquids to moisten our throats.
- Seek proper medical help to manage and control the symptoms of cold-induced asthma disease.
Hence, consult for more Treatment for Asthma disease, allergies, and Respiratory Patients or call us on the emergency line (+91) 9352934531 to know more about Asthma Disease or you can visit Asthma Bhawan.
