For asthma sufferers, winter can be the most difficult time of the year. Cold, dry air and sudden shifts in the weather can irritate your airways, causing you to produce more mucus. It doesn't always help to stay indoors, as this can lead to an increase in respiratory illnesses like colds and flu.
Fall and winter are generally the time when asthma flare ups happen most frequently. This is partially due to a rise in respiratory infections such as the common cold or flu, which spread more effectively in the large gatherings that happen during the holidays.
The peak time for thunderstorm asthma is mainly spring but can extend to December during the grass pollen season. Your local media may announce 'Thunderstorm Asthma Alerts' on days when there is a high risk.
Seasonal asthma may happen in response to allergies like: Pollens from trees or grasses, which may trigger asthma symptoms from August to March or May.
Best weather for asthma
Some people with asthma experience problems in very cold or hot temperatures, which can increase airway irritation. Mild temperatures and low levels of humidity might decrease the risk of airway irritation.
Mostly we think of asthma symptoms being worse in the winter. But hot summer weather can trigger asthma symptoms for some people too. The causes are not clear but two possible reasons are: Breathing in hot air can cause the airways to narrow, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
Cold, dry air is a common asthma trigger and can cause flare-ups. This trigger may be more troublesome for people who play winter sports and have exercise-induced asthma.
Many things can cause these symptoms, but they're more likely to be asthma if they: happen often and keep coming back. are worse at night and early in the morning. seem to happen in response to an asthma trigger like exercise or an allergy (such as to pollen or animal fur)
The incidence of allergic asthma is highest in early childhood and steadily decreases with advancing age, while the incidence of non-allergic asthma is low until it peaks in late adulthood. After approximately 40 years of age, most of the new cases of asthma are non-allergic.
South Australians have more asthma than any other state or territory jumping from 10.6% up to 13%.
Why is asthma so common in Australia? Increasing evidence shows that people who move to Australia from Asia and other non-western countries are coming down with allergies they previously didn't have.
How common is asthma? Around 2.7 million Australians (11%) have asthma.
Caffeinated drinks
Caffeine, found in drinks like black and green tea or coffee, may improve lung function and help dilate your airways. Coffee has compounds like methylxanthines and caffeine that studies show could reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.
If the air inside is bothersome to your asthma, as it may be too dry, humid, cold, or hot, the outdoor air may be more agreeable for you. The phrase "Maybe you just need some fresh air" still remains unhelpful, but getting away from indoor triggers may be a good first step in preventing an asthma attack or flare-up.
September is the most dangerous month for people with asthma because ragweed pollen, mold and upper respiratory infections can trigger severe attacks.
As stated before, silent asthma has the absence of coughing or wheezing. One reason why you may not experience coughing or wheezing is that your airways haven't tightened enough to restrict airflow through your bronchioles.
Lying on the back with shoulders and neck elevated is the best position for asthma patients. Additionally, lying on the left side with a pillow wedged between the legs has also proven to be a beneficial position for asthma patients.
Cold air is bad for most people with asthma as it tends to irritate the bronchial tubes and trigger asthma symptoms. If you have asthma, it may be best for you to stay indoors as much as possible during cold winter weather. Be sure to monitor indoor air quality and install HEPA filters in your ventilation systems.
Certain sleeping positions, such as lying on your side or your front, can constrict your lungs, potentially making nocturnal asthma symptoms worse. Meanwhile, sleeping flat on your back can cause mucus in your nose to drip to the back of your throat and trigger a night-time cough.
Strong emotions and stress are well known triggers of asthma. There is evidence of a link between asthma, anxiety, and depression, though the outcomes are sometimes not consistent. Anxiety and depression may be associated with poor asthma control.