7 TIPS TO MANAGE WINTER ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES

There is always a connection between asthma and allergies. Having allergies increases the risk for developing Asthma although not everyone with allergies develop Asthma. In order to understand the connection between Asthma and allergies, it’s helpful to understand a little bit about the body’s immune system. Your immune system is a part of your body that protects you from germs that can invade and make you sick. One way that your body’s immune system can react is by making proteins called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) which is directed against things like animal dander, pollens, dust mites or molds. These things are called allergens. When you breathe in air through your nose or mouth, it goes down through your windpipe or trachea and then to lungs through various sized airways. In Asthma, a trigger of some sort causes the airways to become inflamed, swollen and filled with mucus. This may cause an obstruction of the airways which makes it harder to get air in and out of the lungs. Your chest might feel very tight as if someone is sitting on it. You may also notice whistling sound when you breathe which is also called ‘the wheeze’. If you are an Asthma patient, it is advisable to follow these tips and stay healthy during the winter. The tips:

1. Breathing through your nose: When you are out in cold, it’s very important to actually breathe in through your nose. The nose is lined up with multiple hairs as well as a lot of blood vessels. By the time the air reaches the bottom of your lungs, it gets heated up to your body temperature.
2. Cold air mask: If it is very cold outside or chilling breeze flows, whether you have lung disease or not, anytime you are going out, you are putting yourself at risk.  So layer your clothes, drink plenty of liquid, wear a scarf and, warm up before you do any activity. A cold air mask under the scarf can be an added precaution.
3. Diet included: Apples, bananas, avocados, flaxseed, spinach, carrots, ginger tea and garlic are some super foods that fight asthma and allergies throughout the year.
4. Safe at home: Try to stay indoors when the temperature dips very low, especially if it’s below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Cleaning: Vacuum and dust your home often to remove indoor allergens and wash you sheets every week in hot water to get rid of dust mites. Be careful to cover your nose with a clean cotton cloth before you do this or get the dusting done by someone else.
6. Medications: Get your flu vaccine done before winter or early in fall. Always carry your nebulizer with you and avoid contact with people who are sick.
7. Strong immune: Good diet, mild exercise or meditation, herbal medications and a good lifestyle can make your immune system stronger. Stay positive and live happier.

During winter, the cold air can make it little harder to breathe. The cold dry air causes the lungs to contract leading to difficulty in breathing. However, the above mentioned tips and some precautions can help asthma patients breathe with ease even during winters.