Hello everyone! I wanted to get into another seasonal post. For many of my patients, winter is a difficult season. Not only are they unsure of travel conditions but they typically feel more short of breath when they do venture outdoors. Why is this? 

Cold air can cause bronchospasm (constriction of your airways). This makes it harder for air to get in and out of your lungs. People also struggle with the extreme change in temperature and humidity when going from warm air inside to cold dry air outside. Narrowing of the airways can possibly lead to a series of worsening conditions, like mucous production, coughing, and even flare-ups or exacerbations of a chronic lung condition.

Below are ways that people with lung conditions can reduce breathlessness in the winter.

8 Ways to Breathe Better in Winter with a Lung Condition

1.  Take your breathing medications regularly

Taking your breathing medications will allow your lungs to fight off inflammation and will reduce any bronchospasms that you may encounter. Remember to take your controller medications the same time every day to treat your lung condition consistently. Always have your rescue inhaler available if you need to treat any shortness of breath that may occur due to exposure to the outside temperatures. If you know that you will be venturing outside and that you will most likely feel breathless, use your rescue inhaler ahead of time as a preventive measure.

2.  Use a scarf to help warm the air you breathe 

Loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth will help to warm the air that you are breathing. Make sure the scarf is not one with lots of “loose fibers,” so as to not breathe those in. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to allow your nose and nasopharynx to help moisten and filter the air you breathe. You can also use a cold weather mask (pictured below), as long as it doesn’t feel too restrictive to breathe.

3.  Moisten your nares

I recommend using a saline nasal spray, like Ayr spray or Ayr gel, to moisten your nasal airway. When your nose gets dry, it feels as though it is “stopped up” or congested. This may cause you to mouth breathe, which isn’t recommended outdoors.

4.  Exercise indoors

For people with chronic lung conditions, it is recommended during any type of extreme temperatures (hot or cold) to exercise indoors. Reducing your exposure to frigid temperatures will only help you to breathe more comfortably during your exercise. If you must exercise outdoors, make sure you warm-up for at least 15 minutes before going outside. However, my strong suggestion is that you wait to exercise outdoors when the temperatures are milder.

5.  Be aware of the air quality forecast

During the winter, air pollution can be elevated. In addition, many people are burning wood that can trigger wheezing for those with asthma and other reactive airways. Increased pollutants and frigid temperatures are not a good combination for people with lung conditions. Try to stay indoors when air quality is very poor. Typically, these numbers are reported each morning on your local news station and are available on a weather app as well. I use the Weather Channel app and it gives me more than enough information on air quality in my area.

6.  Preheat your vehicle

If you aren’t fortunate enough to have your vehicle parked in a warm garage, I suggest that you preheat your vehicle before venturing out on a cold day. Many vehicles these days are equipped with remote start technology, which is extremely helpful in warming up your vehicle. These devices can also be purchased aftermarket and installed (a wonderful birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gift J). If remote start or a garage just isn’t in the cards, see whether a loved one or roommate could start your car for you in advance of heading out.

7.  If using oxygen, run your tubing under your coat

This tip was given to me by one of my awesome patients. They suggested that zipping or buttoning your jacket over your nasal cannula tubing will warm the oxygen slightly before getting to your airways. The suggestion made sense to me, so I thought I would pass it along!

8.  Plan ahead 

Look at the forecast and plan your outings and errands on days that the weather is milder. Planning ahead can reduce your anxiety and help you prepare for times that you might have to stay in a few extra days to avoid severe weather outbreaks.