Asthma can be a dangerous and life-threatening disease. Even if you rarely have asthma attacks, one serious episode can severely harm you, or even be fatal. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself against attacks, particularly in the winter when they are more common.

One reason asthma is such a problem in the winter is because colds, the flu, and other wintertime illnesses can trigger an asthma attack. In kids, fall and winter cause an increase in asthma symptoms because they’re exposed to more germs as they go back to school and spend more time playing indoors. Taking measures to avoid getting disease will also help prevent asthma episodes. Try to make sure anyone with asthma gets their flu shot yearly. They also need to take care to wash their hands and sanitize hands and surfaces more often to prevent the spread of germs.

If you or your child does get sick, talk to a doctor before taking even over-the-counter cold and flu medications. Many of these medicines can interact with normal asthma treatments and cause side effects along with worsening of symptoms. You doctor can tell you what medicines you should avoid and recommend a safe treatment option.

Just as winter is a bad time for asthma, summer and fall often come with a lessening of symptoms. Many people feel better so they decrease their meds or even go off them completely. However, just because you feel better doesn’t mean you can’t take a turn for the worse quickly. If you decrease meds during the summer, start taking them again in the fall and winter before symptoms start coming back. This will leave you prepared and will hopefully stop any symptoms before they start.

In addition to your prescriptions, ask your doctor about additional asthma treatments during the winter. Many kids and adults benefit from night-time nebulizer treatments and other additional precautions.

The cold dry air is often a trigger for winter asthma symptoms. Consider buying a humidifier for your home to help keep the air warm and moist. If symptoms are severe, you can buy smaller humidifiers for use at work or school. If symptoms are bad, limit time outdoors as much as possible and always bundle up before you leave.

Asthma symptoms are not only triggered by winter time illnesses, they can also get a jump start from your allergies. While most people associate allergies with spring and summer, many people have indoor allergies, particularly dust and pet dander. These allergies can cause symptoms to flair up. Make sure to keep your house clean and limit exposure to pet dander, particularly when you’re sleeping. You may also want to start an allergy medication during the winter – just be sure to check with your doctor first.

While asthma is still a serious condition, taking a few extra precautions during the winter can help keep everyone healthy.

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