Published on February 28, 2025

Winter Effects on Asthma and Bronchitis

A young female is outside in the snowy weather using her inhaler.

Winter can be particularly challenging for people with asthma and bronchitis. Cold air is a common asthma trigger, causing the airways to narrow and making it harder to breathe. This can cause more coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Dry, cold air can also irritate the bronchial tubes, making bronchitis symptoms worse. Moving between warm indoor air and cold outdoor air can trigger symptoms, too. Plus, indoor allergens like dust mites and mold become more common in winter since people spend more time inside.

Tips for Managing Respiratory Health in Winter

  • Stay Warm: Wear a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth to warm the air before you breathe it in. This helps protect your airways from the cold.
  • Avoid Triggers: Stay indoors on very cold days and avoid smoke and strong odors. When air quality is poor, try to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.
  • Improve Indoor Air Quality: Keep your home clean to reduce dust mites and pet dander. Use an air purifier to help remove allergens from the air and keep your home free of dust, mold and cigarette smoke. Be cautious with fireplaces and other indoor heaters, as they can increase indoor air pollution. Good ventilation is key.
  • Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can prevent your airways from drying out. Clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth.
  • Stay Active Indoors: Exercise is good for lung health, but cold air can make asthma worse. Try indoor workouts to reduce exposure to cold air.

Understanding Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Exercise can sometimes trigger asthma, especially in winter. This is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), where physical activity narrows the airways. It happens more often in winter due to:

  • Cold Air: Breathing in cold air can irritate and narrow the airways.
  • Dry Air: Winter air tends to be dry, and rapid breathing during exercise can dry out and inflame the airways.
  • Fast Breathing: When you breathe quickly through your mouth, the air is less humidified and colder than when breathing through your nose.
  • Indoor Triggers: Exercising inside can expose you to allergens like dust mites, mold and pet dander, which can also trigger asthma.

 To manage EIB in winter, consider the following tips:

  • Warm Up First: Gradually increase activity to help your lungs adjust.
  • Wear a Scarf or Mask: Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask to warm and humidify the air that reaches your lungs.
  • Use an Inhaler: If prescribed, use a short-acting inhaler 15-30 minutes before exercise.
  • Exercise Indoors: On very cold days, opt for indoor activities where the air is warmer and more humid.

Additional Tips for Respiratory Health

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your airways moist and help thin mucus.
  • Stay Vaccinated: Protect yourself from the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to lower the risk of severe respiratory infections that can worsen asthma.
    • Flu Shots: The flu can cause serious complications for people with respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. The CDC recommends flu vaccines for everyone over six months old.
    • RSV Vaccination: RSV can cause severe respiratory illness and hospitalization. The CDC recommends RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older, especially those at higher risk.
  • Follow Your Asthma Action Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms and adjust medications as needed. Keep an updated asthma action plan and follow it closely. Take your medications as prescribed, including inhaled steroids, even if you feel well, to prevent inflammation.

Taking Charge of Your Respiratory Health

By understanding triggers and taking the right precautions, you can manage your asthma and bronchitis symptoms more effectively during winter. If you have concerns about your respiratory health, talk to your healthcare provider.

The Bronson Pulmonary Medicine team is dedicated to helping people prevent and manage lung conditions. We offer testing and personalized treatment plans. Talk to your primary care provider or contact one of our Bronson Pulmonary Medicine Specialists' convenient locations in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Paw Paw if you have a concern about your pulmonary health. Visit bronsonhealth.com/pulmonary to learn more.