Skip to main content
You step outside on the first really cold morning of the year, take a deep breath, and it catches in your chest. Maybe you cough. Maybe you feel that familiar tightness and reach for your inhaler before you've made it to the car.
If that sounds like you, you're not imagining it. Winter can be a tough season when you have asthma. So can cold air cause asthma? The short answer is no, it doesn't give you asthma. But for people who already have it, cold air is one of the most common triggers there is. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a real difference.
Why Cold Air and Asthma Don't Mix
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), cold, dry air can trigger bronchoconstriction (a tightening and narrowing of the airways). When your airways narrow, less air gets through, and you may cough, wheeze, or feel short of breath.
Your nose normally warms and moistens the air you breathe before it reaches your lungs. That's why exercise makes things harder. The AAFA explains that when you work out, you breathe faster and often through your mouth. The air skips your nose's built-in warm-up, so it reaches your lungs colder and drier. If you notice symptoms mostly during activity, our post on exercise-induced asthma goes deeper.
So what can you do when you can't avoid the cold? Quite a bit, actually.
How to Protect Your Airways Outdoors
The AAFA's cold weather advice for people with asthma comes down to a few easy steps:
- Cover your nose and mouth. A scarf or face mask helps warm and humidify the air before you breathe it in.
- Keep your quick-relief inhaler with you. Have it handy before, during, and after exercise.
- Don't let your inhaler freeze. Keep it insulated, in an inside pocket or bag, rather than in a cold car overnight.
- Move your workout inside on the coldest days. Swimming, yoga, or a gym session keeps you active without the cold, dry air.
Here's the thing, though. Winter doesn't just change the air outside. It changes how much time you spend inside, too.
Winter Also Brings Triggers Indoors
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) points out that you notice indoor allergies more in winter because you spend more time at home. Your pets spend more time indoors too, which means more exposure to pet dander. And your heating system recirculates indoor air, along with any allergy triggers in it.
If allergens like dust mites or pet dander are part of your asthma picture, a few changes at home can lighten the load:
- Change your furnace filter before heating season. A fresh filter catches more of what your system blows around. Our guide to HVAC filters and MERV ratings explains how to choose one.
- Keep humidity between 35% and 50%. The AAFA recommends this range to help prevent mold and dust mite growth. Heated winter air can get very dry, but running a humidifier too high feeds dust mites. Learn more in How Humidity Affects Dust Mites and Mold Growth.
- Start with the bedroom. The ACAAI notes that dust mites are often found in pillows and mattresses. Zippered covers from our AllergyCare Cotton collection help block dust mite allergen right where you sleep every night.
- Have your fireplace inspected. The AAFA suggests this to reduce wood smoke in your home.
Don't Forget Your Flu Shot
Winter is also flu season. The CDC says people with asthma are at higher risk of serious flu complications, even when their asthma is mild or well controlled. Most flu shots are approved for people 6 months and older, so the whole family, including your little one, can usually get one. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccine is right for you.
Have a Plan Before the First Cold Snap
The AAFA also recommends an asthma action plan made with your doctor. It's a written plan that tells you which medicine to take and what to do when symptoms change. If you don't have one yet, winter is a great time to ask. Our post on how to prepare for an asthma attack walks through what to have ready.
For the bigger picture on cutting allergens at home, from bedding to air filtration, take a look at our Practical Guide to Allergy-Free Living. The Allergy Store has helped people with allergies since 1989, and these small steps are the ones we see make the biggest difference.
Your next step: Before the next cold front, do a quick winter check. Make sure your inhaler isn't expired, swap your furnace filter, put a scarf by the door, and book your flu shot. That's four small wins before winter even starts.
Wishing you the best of health,
Mike
Sources
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Weather Triggers Asthma: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/weather-triggers-asthma/
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Cold Weather Advisory: People With Asthma Should Take Precautions to Prevent Symptoms: https://community.aafa.org/blog/cold-weather-advisory-people-with-asthma-should-take-precautions-to-avoid-symptoms
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Do You Have the Winter Sniffles? 5 Ways You Can Manage Indoor Winter Allergies: https://acaai.org/news/do-you-have-the-winter-sniffles-5-ways-you-can-manage-indoor-winter-allergies/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flu and People with Asthma: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/asthma.html
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider — such as an allergist or your primary care physician — before making changes to your allergy management plan, starting new treatments, or if you have questions about a medical condition. In the event of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector if one has been prescribed.
Image note: The featured image on this page was created with AI and is for illustration only.