How to deal with asthma when it's bitter cold....

Burr, it's cold outside!  Asthma, chronic inflammation of the the airways and lungs, is commonly triggered by cold temperatures.  With over 1.1 million New Yorkers suffering from asthma, I thought it might be a good idea to give you some tips on preventing an asthma attack.  

Here are 5 tips for preventing an asthma attack when the temperature drops!
1) Use a scarf.

• Warming air before it enters your lungs can help prevent an asthma attack.

2) Breath via your nose.

•  Your nose is specially designed to air before it enters into your lungs.

3) Keep well hydrated.

•  Drinking plenty of water will keep your lungs hydrated from the inside out.  When your lungs are dehydrated you're more likely to have an asthma attack.

4)  Use your inhaler.

• Use your albuterol inhaler (rescue inhaler) 15-30 minutes before going outside if your asthma is commonly triggered by cold weather.

5) Keep your inhaler warm.

• Keeping your inhaler in an inside pocket near your body will keep the medicine warm.  Warming the medicine will prevent for a cold spray of medicine into your lungs.
  

Symptoms of asthma are cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. If you experience any of these and can't get them under control, contact your doctor or the emergency room.  Need my help?  Contact me in the office at 212-679-3574.