Asthma sufferers know that different seasons bring different triggers that can cause breathing difficulty. In addition to visiting your asthma doctor in Lincoln, it is also important to understand the triggers that affect asthma during the winter, and how to make the cold months of the year easier to deal with. There are five tips to help you do just that.

Avoid Fires

Cuddling up near a roaring fireplace when the snow starts to fly is a great way to relax and enjoy the winter. However, for those with asthma, it can be a quick route to needing to use their rescue inhaler. Smoke from burning wood is an irritant that can cause airways to close.

Check Your HVAC Filter

Indoor air quality can be very poor if it is not filtered properly. This is particularly true during the winter when we keep our doors and windows closed, and fresh air is at a premium. It’s doubly important to make sure your HVAC filter is changed regularly to help clean the air in your home.

Avoid Outdoor Exercise

Your asthma doctor in Lincoln will tell you to stay indoors as much as possible, and this includes any exercise or play activities. Cold temperatures can trigger asthma attacks. If outdoor activity is necessary, opt for the warmest time of day and make sure to bring a rescue inhaler.

Have an Action Plan

Work with an asthma doctor in Lincoln to establish an action plan if symptoms flare up and do no subside with the use of a rescue inhaler. Know the signs of ongoing symptoms and whether or not a trip to the ER might be necessary, or if you need to make an appointment with your doctor to check on the effectiveness of your asthma medications.

Take Long-Term Control Medication

Your asthma doctor in Lincoln may prescribe long-term asthma control medication – often in the form of a powder inhaler, or possibly a tablet. Make sure to take this medication regularly as directed. It is an essential part of protecting against wintertime asthma attacks.

Ultimately, managing asthma during the winter is no more difficult than during any other time of the year, but it does require a few specific steps and safeguards. Perhaps the single most important thing to do is to stay in touch with your doctor and keep them apprised of changes in symptoms or the effectiveness of medications.