Often a change in the weather, rather than a certain temperature, can act as an asthma trigger.

Spring and autumn are times when many people find their asthma symptoms get worse.

Winter can also be a troublesome time for people with asthma. However, this is often due to colds and flu rather the weather itself.

What to do if you think the weather may affect your asthma

  • Take extra care to take your medication as prescribed throughout the seasons you find affect you.
  • Take your usual dose of reliever inhaler before going out on cold, dry days.
  • Wear a scarf over your face if it’s cold and windy. This will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in.
  • Try to avoid going out in the middle of the day on hot, smoggy days.

Wet and windy weather

Wet and windy weather can often cause problems for asthma sufferers.

Wet weather encourages mould growth and if it is also windy, this mould is blown through the air. If a person with asthma breathes in airborne mould, it will often trigger their asthma symptoms.

If you know wind and rain triggers your asthma, make sure to always keep an eye on the weather forecast. Try to stay inside during particularly bad days with the windows closed and keep your reliever inhaler close at all times.

Top tips for managing your asthma in winter

  1. Take medication as prescribed: This is vital all year round. It will help you control your asthma better and hopefully prevent an asthma attack.
  2. Always carry your blue inhaler: Having this inhaler with you ensures that in an asthma emergency you have a tool which will help ease and relieve your symptoms. However, if you are taking it more than twice a week it could be a sign that your asthma isn’t controlled, and you should visit your GP or healthcare professional.
  3. Have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan: An Asthma Action Plan helps you manage your asthma and can help you identify if your symptoms mean you need a check-up. You
  4. Use your nose: Breathing through your nose is ideal during the winter as it warms the air up before bringing it to the lungs. This can help reduce the impact of cold air as a trigger for asthma symptoms.
  5. Make your home asthma friendly: When winter arrives, we spend a lot of time indoors, sometimes with fires and candles are lit. A lot of people also bring animals indoors due to the weather outside. All these factors can trigger your asthma.
  6. Get your flu vaccination as prescribed: Protect yourself against the flu. Visit your local pharmacy or GP to get the vaccine, if you haven’t already.