Winter Breathing Difficulties and Ways to Alleviate Them

The winter months can be a particular time of year, with many people enjoying the festive season and ringing in the New Year with family and friends. On the other hand, it can cause apprehension and stress for some as they face breathing problems in winter.

Come wintertime, the temperature drops, and the air becomes drier, with decreased moisture and humidity levels. It can cause irritation and constriction of the airways, a condition called Bronchospasm, resulting in difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.

In winter, we all strive to keep our homes nice and toasty. But when we step outside, the cold and dry climate can shock the system. This rapid shift in temperature can cause spasms and discomfort in the lungs, making breathing difficult.

Let’s look at the most frequent and different breathing issues in winter season and explore how to manage them.

The Most Common Respiratory Problems in Winter Season include respiratory diseases like cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia.

1. Common Cold

Winter might seem cosy, with the inviting warmth of a blazing fire and a comforting mug of hot cocoa, but unfortunately, it brings the common cold. With over two hundred different viruses able to cause it, of which the most common is the rhinovirus. The common cold can produce different problems during winter such as congestion, sore throat, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and a persistent cough.

2. Flu

If you’ve been displaying signs of the common cold in conjunction with fever, headache, fatigue, achiness, nausea, or regurgitation, then it’s likely that you’re dealing with the flu. Influenza A, B, and C viruses are the primary culprits of this illness.

3. Bronchitis

Respiratory irritation resulting from air entering the lungs can cause bronchitis. Chronic and acute bronchitis can cause similar symptoms to a cold, but they tend to be more intense. Common signs include congested chest, coughing phlegm, difficulty breathing and whistling. If you experience breathlessness in winter, it might be a sign of bronchitis.

4. Pneumonia

Although a viral or bacterial infection causes pneumonia, cold weather can exacerbate symptoms and worsen the condition. Symptoms of exacerbated pneumonia may include shallow and rapid breathing, breathlessness, and fever.

5. Whooping cough

Whooping cough is an exceptionally contagious respiratory ailment. Many individuals experience it as an intense and persistent cough followed by a loud inhalation of breath with a characteristic “whoop” sound.

6. Sinusitis

When a cold strikes, the sinuses – the spaces around the nasal passages – can become inflamed and clogged with mucus. This congestion can set the stage for infection, known as sinusitis, which can cause a runny or stuffy nose and a pounding headache.

7. Asthma

Asthma is a persistent ailment affecting the passageways of the lungs. When confronted with triggers such as dust, mites, or pollen, the airways and muscles become inflamed. It leads to common symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Unfortunately, breathing problem in cold weather tends to worsen due to dry air resulting in irritation and swelling of the airways.

In winter, the body’s mucus production increases, becoming thicker and stickier than usual. It can make it more susceptible to infection and worsen asthma symptoms.

Read More – Relieving discomfort and promoting ease with asthma treatment

Best Ways for Protecting Your Lungs in the Cold Weather

With winters comes an increase in breathing difficulties and lower air quality, so here’s what you can do to avoid different breathing difficulty reasons and keep your lungs in good shape:

• If you’re going out in cold weather, bundle up! Wear plenty of layers to keep your body warm, and don’t forget to wrap a scarf around your face to stop chilly air from getting into your lungs.
• Keep your living space clean and hygienic this winter – with the increased presence of pet dander, dust and mould in the air, ensuring your home is well-maintained. Don’t forget to regularly wash your hands, especially before touching your nose or mouth, to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid rigorous outdoor activities such as running or jogging if you have breathing difficulties. These can leave you feeling depleted and struggling to take a breath. 
• Maintain a nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids – A balanced diet and sufficient hydration can tremendously benefit your respiratory system. Carrots and red bell peppers are beneficial in relieving asthma symptoms and enhancing lung health.
• Those with breathing difficulties must take their medications as instructed and carry an inhaler in colder months; do not neglect this!

Takeaway Message 

It can be challenging to manage asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis during the winter. If one encounters wheezing, coughing, exhaustion, or breathing difficulties, seeking treatment for breathing difficulty in winter is essential.

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Disclaimer 

The information given in this article is accurate to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before practising any information mentioned in this article.

References

• https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/penny-woods/ 
• https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928210/