How to Prevent Winter Asthma, Allergy and Eczema Attacks

FAIRFAX, Va., February 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — When the weather is terrible outside, it’s more than just a cold winter for people with asthma, allergies, and eczema. They are at increased risk for respiratory symptoms, sinus problems, or even an itchy, painful rash.

Cold, dry air is a common trigger for asthma and eczema. Meanwhile, people with allergies in the winter may be exposed to fewer outdoor allergens but may experience more indoor allergens.

How to control the symptoms of asthma, allergies and eczema? Allergy & Asthma Network, the leading national nonprofit patient education, advocacy, and research organization, offers management tips for every condition.

“Asthma, allergies, and eczema can flare up at any time of the year, but many people experience worse symptoms during the winter months,” says Lynda Mitchell, interim CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “The good news is that these are manageable conditions for many people. Rapid relief treatments are available. Home management and lifestyle changes can help prevent exposure to triggers.”

How do you deal with asthma in winter?

When people with asthma breathe in cold, dry air, the muscles in their airways can spasm. This causes irritation of the airways and can lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. People with moderate to severe asthma are more likely to experience cold, dry air symptoms.

Here are 9 tips to prevent asthma symptoms in the winter:

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions asthma medications and treatment:
   
1. Use a fast-relieving albuterol inhaler if symptoms occur when you are outside in the cold.
2. Use a control medication daily to keep symptoms under control – don’t skip!
2. Make sure you have one Asthma action plan in situ.
3. Pre-treat your airways with an albuterol inhaler 15-20 minutes before going outside for physical activity.
4. Limit outdoor exercise. Exercise at home or in a gym.
5. Wear a scarf when outside and use it to warm up the air you breathe.
6. Monitor indoor allergens:
1. Limit time with pets if you are allergic to animal dander.
2. Wash your bedding and pillowcases to combat dust mites.
3. Clean up spills and repair leaks to limit mold.
7. Clean and replace filters in heating and cooling air ducts.
8. Get the flu vaccine. Stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
9. Wash your hands regularly to wipe away germs and bacteria.

What are tips for managing indoor allergies in winter?

Many people with seasonal allergies in colder climates experience a break in symptoms during the winter months. However, indoor allergies can flare up the more time you spend indoors. An exception is pollen from the Ashe Juniper tree, which blooms from December to February in parts of the country Southwestern United States. (This is commonly referred to as “cedar fever.”)

Some common indoor allergens include mold, dust, pet dander, dust mites, and pests such as mice and cockroaches.

Allergy medication such as over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays are available to treat most symptoms. You can also prevent exposure to allergens with a few practical home remedies:

• Watch for leaks and check damp spots for mold; don’t let mildew rear its head.
• Dust and vacuum regularly, including under and behind furniture.
• Use dust mite resistant covers on mattresses and pillows; wash bedding, pillows and curtains in hot water to remove dust mites.
• Keep pets out of the bedrooms where you sleep; bath pets often and wash their bedding regularly.
• Use premium air filters in your HVAC system and replace them often; consider using an air purifier.
• Keep food tightly sealed and clear counters to avoid attracting pests. Don’t delay calling the exterminator if there is any evidence of an infestation (insect or rodent).

How do you deal with eczema in the winter?

People with eczema may experience symptoms during the winter months. When it is cold outside, there is less moisture in the air and the skin loses moisture faster than in other seasons. This dries out the skin and leads to flare-ups.

People with eczema can prevent dryness of the skin by increasing the use of moisturizing creams in winter. Since bathing can dry out the skin, take shorter showers in winter and apply moisturizers immediately afterwards.

If you have severe, persistent asthma, allergies, or eczema, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor. Discuss treatment options, including biologic medications designed to treat the source of symptoms and reduce inflammation. Read more about organic products BiologicMeds.org.

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Allergy and Asthma Network is the leading non-profit patient care, education, advocacy and research organization for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our patient-centric network unites individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, industry partners and government decision makers to improve the health and quality of life of people with respiratory and allergic conditions. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable for everyone and promoting evidence-based standards of care. More information on AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.

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SOURCE Allergy and Asthma Network