According to the American Lung Association, asthma affects 23 million Americans, including 7 million children. Winter can be very rough on asthma sufferers. Although pollen levels are down, exposure to cold and flu germs, indoor dust and mold, and the cold air itself can act as triggers to an asthma attack. Here are some tips to get through the main triggers of the season attack-free.
Instructions
Avoiding Common Winter Triggers
1. Christmas can mean bringing a mold-and-pollen-laden real tree into the house, or a mold-and-dust-laden fake tree up from the cellar. Australia's National Asthma Council recommends vacuuming artificial trees and decorations (and anything else you may need that's been in storage), unpacking them outside if weather permits, and wiping down decorations with a damp cloth before putting them up. When putting them away again, use plastic bags to protect them from mold and dust. If you opt for a live tree, you may want to keep it around no more than seven days, and may find some benefit from using an air cleaner in the same room as the tree, according to a 2007 report to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. And whatever kind you put up, wear an N95 dust mask while doing so.
The holidays also bring gatherings with germ-laden children, foods with allergens, scented candles and other irritants, and strong emotions, all of which can trigger an attack. Just play it smart and watch out for your known triggers.
2. Whether you celebrate holidays or not, winter brings with it one major asthma trigger: cold air. The Asthma Society of Canada offers these tips, in addition to following your doctor's advice and taking all medications as prescribed:
• Carry your prescribed reliever medication with you.
• If cold air is a trigger for you, take your reliever medication 10 to 15 minutes before exposure.
• Check weather conditions before going out and dress for the weather conditions by covering up.
• Breathe in through your nose. Your nose is designed to warm and humidify air.
• Avoid outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather.
If cold air is a major problem for you, keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan ahead.
Cold air holds less humidity than warm air, and dry air can also trigger attacks. If dry air causes you problems indoors, ask your doctor about using a humidifier. (Since humidifiers can encourage mold, however, this may not be ideal.)
3. Colds or flu in the summertime seem like gate crashers. When the weather is chilly, and we are indoors and around one another more often, cold and flu are unwanted but expected visitors. Colds and flu can cause bad asthma flare-ups at any time, however, and so it is important to take two major steps to avoid them, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Practice good hand hygiene and avoid sick people. Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom, before prepping or eating food, or shaking hands. Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds; and when soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. The heat kicks on and dust comes out of air vents; a fireplace gets used and the house fills with smoke. With the windows and doors shut, all irritants can gather quickly indoors. Proper maintenance of heating systems in the off-season will help reduce irritants connected to their use. Avoid painting, using heavily scented products, or bringing in new furniture that may have off-gassing chemicals while the house is sealed. If necessary you can always bring in fresh air for a while, but of course, cold and dry air can be its own trigger.
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