Many of us have mixed feelings about winter weather, it may be cold out there but it’s nice to cosy up or go for a crisp walk. However, for those living with asthma, the colder months can bring a unique set of challenges. Winter isn’t just about bundling up, it can genuinely affect breathing, trigger symptoms, and increase the risk of asthma flare-ups.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed. This makes breathing more difficult and can lead to symptoms like:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Breathlessness
- Chest tightness
These symptoms may come and go, and while asthma can be well controlled with the right treatment, environmental triggers (including cold weather) can make symptoms worse.
Why Winter Can Worsen Asthma
Winter affects asthma in several key ways:
1. Cold, dry air irritates the airways
One of the most common winter triggers for asthma is cold air. When you breathe in cold, dry air, it doesn’t warm and moisten quickly enough before reaching the lungs. This can:
- Irritate the airways
- Cause airway narrowing (bronchoconstriction)
- Increase mucus production
- Lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
2. Increased risk of respiratory infections
Winter is cold and viral season. Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections circulate more widely during the colder months. These infections:
- Inflame the airways further
- Increase asthma symptoms
- Can cause asthma attacks
3. More time indoors = More indoor triggers
Spending more time inside in winter can expose people to:
- Dust mites
- Mould
- Pet dander
- Indoor air pollution
These are common asthma triggers that may be more problematic when homes are closed up and less ventilated than in warmer months.
4. Damp, mould and poor indoor air quality
Cold weather often leads to condensation and dampness in buildings, conditions that encourage mould growth. Mould spores are a well-known trigger for asthma symptoms and attacks.
Managing Asthma in Winter: Practical Tips
The good news is that with preparation and awareness, many asthma flare-ups can be avoided or reduced. Below are evidence-based tips recommended by the NHS and Asthma + Lung UK.
1. Stick to your asthma medications
Keep taking your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, even if you’re feeling well. Preventer medicines help reduce inflammation over time and make your airways less reactive.
Always carry your reliever (usually blue) inhaler with you, especially when you’re out in the cold.
2. Warm the air before you breathe it
Cold air hitting your lungs abruptly can trigger symptoms. Simple steps to protect your airways include:
- Breathing through your nose (it warms and humidifies air slightly before it reaches the lungs)
- Wearing a scarf loosely around your mouth and nose
- Using a mask or buff when outside if it’s cold and windy
3. Keep your home warm and well-ventilated
The NHS recommends keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, ideally at least 18°C, to help prevent damp and mould, which can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems.
Tips for indoor air quality:
- Use a dehumidifier if your home is damp
- Ventilate rooms briefly each day
- Fix leaks or condensation problems
- Clean filters regularly on heaters and ventilation systems
4. Get vaccinated
The following vaccinations help protect against infections that might worsen asthma:
- Seasonal flu vaccination
- COVID-19 vaccine if recommended
- Other appropriate respiratory vaccines
5. Watch for early signs of flare-ups
If you find yourself using your reliever inhaler more often than usual (more than three times per week), it could be a sign that your asthma isn’t well controlled. Speak to your GP or asthma nurse, winter is not the time to delay a review.
Managing an Asthma Attack
Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly during an asthma attack can be life-saving. Asthma attacks can come on suddenly and may be triggered by cold air, respiratory infections, exercise, or exposure to allergens – all of which are more common during winter.
Signs of an Asthma Attack
An asthma attack may include:
- Increased breathlessness
- Wheezing or persistent coughing
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty speaking in full sentences
- Using a reliever inhaler more frequently than usual
If symptoms are getting worse or not improving, it’s important to act immediately.
What to Do During an Asthma Attack
- Stay calm and sit upright
Try to remain calm and sit upright, do not lie down. This helps keep your airways as open as possible. - Use your reliever inhaler (usually blue)
Take one puff every 30–60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
Use a spacer if you have one, as it helps the medication reach your lungs more effectively. - Monitor symptoms closely
If symptoms improve after using your inhaler, continue to rest and follow your asthma action plan. - If there is no improvement after 10 puffs, or symptoms worsen at any point, call 999 immediately and say it is an asthma attack.
- Continue using your inhaler while waiting for help
Take one puff every 30–60 seconds until emergency help arrives.
When an Asthma Attack Is an Emergency
Call 999 immediately if:
- Breathing is very difficult
- Lips or fingertips turn blue
- The person is too breathless to speak
- The reliever inhaler is not helping
Asthma attacks can be life-threatening, but early action saves lives.
After an Asthma Attack
Anyone who has had an asthma attack should:
- See their GP or asthma nurse within 48 hours
- Review their asthma action plan
- Check inhaler technique and medication
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of struggle for people with asthma, but it does require planning and awareness. Between the cold air itself, circulating viruses, indoor triggers, and changes to daily routines, winter presents multiple challenges to airway health. With the practical steps above you can reduce your risks, manage symptoms more effectively, and enjoy the season with confidence.
If you’re unsure about your personal asthma plan, book a review with your GP or asthma nurse – and remember: good preparation can make all the difference.
