Now that winter’s here, many seasonal allergy (hay fever) and asthma sufferers breathe a sigh of relief since many outdoor allergens disappear until spring. Unfortunately, letting your guard down when the temperature drops can be dangerous if you have asthma or a compromised immune system.

In fact, in Massachusetts most hospitalizations due to asthma occur in fall and winter months-- not in pollen season.[1] Cold air, viruses, and indoor allergens can all play a role in taking your breath away this winter. Even those who have not been diagnosed with asthma can be at risk, with more time spent indoors and reduced air quality as we seal up our homes and workplaces against the cold.

Jordan Hospital Otolaryngologist, Anit Patel, MD, shares tips on helping you breathe easy this winter. 

Q:  Am I at risk for asthma symptoms this winter?
Yes— particularly if you have allergies, long-standing asthma, or a compromised immune system (those with chronic disease, the elderly, and the very young.) We all stay indoors more in winter, and when we tighten our houses against cold, we increase the concentration of indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander, and mold.

Breathing in cold air also tends to irritate the lungs and make mucous thicker, so it’s harder to clear inhaled particles from our respiratory system. It’s also peak flu season.

Q:  How can I prevent asthma symptoms in cold months?
For allergy sufferers, avoidance measures make a difference. Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen trapping covers, use a HEPA air filter, and clean moldy surfaces with bleach. Keeping a humidifier by your bed can help too, because dry air can irritate the lungs. Just be sure to keep humidifiers clean and free from bacteria. To protect against reacting to cold air, wear a scarf over your mouth to warm the air you breathe.

Those with compromised immune systems should get a flu shot, and we should all wash hands frequently and avoiding touching our face to prevent spreading viruses.

Q:  What’s the biggest mistake people make with winter asthma?

Getting behind on asthma control. People who take asthma medications sometimes neglect to follow their protocol when symptoms improve after allergy season. When symptoms strike again in winter, you’re already in trouble—you need to stay ahead of asthma for good control. Your best bet is to use a peak flow meter to monitor your air flow, and contact your doctor if you find air flow is reduced. You might be in the danger zone before any symptoms even appear.

Learn to Live Well with Asthma. Breathe easy this winter and contact a Jordan Hospital specialist today at (508) 746-8977 or visit www.jordanhospital.org/sinuscare.

[1] www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/com.../asthma/burden-in-mass.doc , 12/1/11