Winter weather asthma
Tips shared to keep attacks under control

Many people look forward to cold weather fun. But if you're one of the 20 million Americans diagnosed with asthma, a drop in temperature can mean an increasee in flare-ups. Understanding asthma triggers and taking extra precautions can help keep you wheezefree this winter.

Cold weather complications

Cold air can give asthmatics more than chills, said Dr. John Villacis, an allergist and immunologist at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic. "In fact, cold air is a common cause of asthma flareups," he said. "When you inhale cold air, your airways constrict, and for people with asthma, this can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness."

You don't have to stay inside if you follow a few simple steps, said the physician.

· Exercise precautions. Avoid exercising in cold weather if possible. If you do, make sure you use your asthma medication at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to working out.

· Bundle up. Wear a scarf or mask over your face to warm the air before it enters your airway. Also, keeping the rest of your body warm by dressing in layers can help keep your airways warm.

· Manage your medication. Make sure to keep quick-relief inhalers at arm's reach when working out or playing in cold weather, and take maintenance asthma medications daily.

Cedar fever

Between December and February, Central Texas is assailed by one of the strongest allergy producing pollens in the U.S. -- mountain cedar. If you're allergic, the pollen can cause "cedar fever," which includes itchy eyes and nose, as well as sneezing. It can also make asthma worse.

"Watching the pollen counts as well as starting your allergy medicines early in the season can help reduce symptoms that may exacerbate asthma," said Villacis. "For those who have severe allergies, allergy shots can help with the longterm treatment of asthma."

Indoor irritants

Cold-weather asthma triggers aren't only found outside. Hunkering down in your house can also set off an attack if you don't mitigate these problem irritants:

· Mold, mildew and pet dander. The more time you spend inside your home, the more important it is to eliminate allergens that can play a significant role in asthma flare-ups.

"More than 70 percent of people with asthma also suffer from allergies," said the physician. "Mold, mildew and pet dander are commonly found around the house and can irritage bronchial passages, especially for those allergic to these substances."

Keep your house as clean as you can, said Villacis, and remove as much dust as possible, vacuum frequently and wash fabrics, such as sheets, in hot water weekly.

"If you have pets, don't allow them in the bedroom. Remember, whatever allergens are outside, your pets can bring them indoors."

· Second-hand smoke. Asthmatics shouldn't smoke and should keep their home smoke-free, said the physician. "Second-hand smoke not only triggers asthma attacks, but increases their sensitivity. Children who have asthma are the most vulnerable."

In addition, fireplaces and woodburning stoves, which release smoke into the air, should be used as infrequently as possible. Make sure your chimney is cleaned before you use it and that the flue works correctly.

Winter bugs

The common cold or the flu can mean more than a stuffy nose or cough in a person with asthma. "If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are already irritated," said Villacis. "Any respiratory infection can make asthma symptoms much worse and harder to control."

Get a flu shot before flu season begins, and frequently wash hands to help avoid getting sick. "But if you do come down with a bug, make sure to monitor your asthma symptoms closely, use your asthma medicine consistently and use a peak flow meter to measure how well your lungs are working."

No matter what the season, asthma can be a difficult disease to live with if you don't take steps to control it, Villacis said.

"If you feel like your asthma symptoms are getting worse this winter, talk to your doctor about ways to adjust your asthma-management plan to reduce your risk of an attack."