How to safeguard against asthma during winter
Experts are warning of a ‘uniquely unpredictable’ winter, which if you’re living with asthma, can spell a particularly challenging couple of months.
For the 2.7 million Australians with asthma, winter can be a real worry as the medical condition can be harder to control in the chilly months, making it more difficult to breathe.
Not only can the cold air trigger asthma flare-ups, cold and flu viruses can worsen asthma symptoms.
Health experts are warning this season could be one of the worst with the dangerous potential risk of contracting both the flu and Covid-19 simultaneously, dubbed “flurona”.
National Asthma Council Australia spokesman Associate Professor Nathan Bartlett describes new variants coinciding with the winter flu season as “particularly concerning for those with asthma”.
- Covid complaint: Breathing pattern disorder
How you can protect yourself
People with asthma should get a fourth Covid immunisation as soon as they are eligible – to help top up immunity and provide the best possible protection over winter, National Asthma Council Australia recommends.
Also get a flu jab.
Assoc Prof Bartlett says we have reduced immunity to respiratory viruses this year.
“Most restrictions on travel have been lifted so other respiratory viruses will begin to circulate and after two years of isolation, population immunity to all respiratory viruses has diminished,” he explains.
“This means that the impact of cold and flu viruses could be much higher than usual, so protection from viral infections is vital, especially if you or someone in your family has asthma.”
Assoc Prof Bartlett says at least 80 per cent of asthma flare-ups are caused by viral infection and the flu vaccine is important in helping reduce the risk of respiratory viruses this winter.
“The risk of catching a respiratory virus increases during winter as people spend more time together indoors and if you have asthma, any of these viruses can cause a cold, which has the potential to develop into an asthma flare-up.
“The more severe the flare-up, the greater the chance that airways are irreversibly damaged.”
- Flu shot: Why you need one – and so do your kids
What else you can do to control asthma
It’s important you take medicines as prescribed, in particular your preventer, which helps to reduce inflammation and sensitivity in the lungs, says Asthma Australia senior manager of research, information and evaluation Anthony Flynn.
“If you have asthma you should have an updated written asthma action plan, carry your reliever with you at all times and work to maintain good health across the season, all of which will reduce your winter-related risks,” Anthony says.
He also has some advice about exercising.
“Warm up and cool down after exercise to help reduce the risk of asthma triggered by cold air,” Anthony recommends.
“And warming and humidifying the cold, dry air you’re breathing by using a scarf or other material covering your mouth can also help to prevent the drying and irritation in the lungs that can lead to asthma symptoms.”
- Maximum value: How spacers can improve delivery of your asthma medication
More triggers to watch out for
Other factors can also affect the health of those with asthma as the weather cools.
“Emotional changes that come with winter, certain heating systems like unflued gas heating and wood-fired heating, and air pollution from hazard-reduction burning, neighbourhood fire pits, transport and industry can all cause (problems),” Anthony says.
Avoid these where you can – and breathe easier.
- Health hazards: What to watch for at home in winter
For more topical health and wellness advice, pick up your free copy of The House of Wellness July edition from your local Chemist Warehouse.
Written by Liz McGrath.
