What is Cold Induced Asthma?

Over the past few days, New Yorkers have been enjoying springtime weather, but plunging temperatures this weekend may trigger asthma symptoms.  These past few weeks many patients have been coming in with symptoms of uncontrolled asthma triggered by the terrific changes in temperature New York is experiencing.  Many don't realize that that nagging cough they have when going outside, or mild chest tightness is a sign of cold induced asthma.

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.  What is cold-induced asthma?

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.

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About Me

Jennifer Collins, MD, brings over a decade of experience practicing medicine, conducting research and teaching to Gramercy Allergy & Asthma. She is a thought leader in the field of allergy, asthma and immunology and has been nominated three years in a row to New York’s List of Rising Stars.  Her focus is centered on problem solving to identify realistic and timely solutions to your needs. Continued dedication to learning through academic national conferences and lectures keeps her abreast of the latest cutting edge treatments.  It’s Dr. Collins’s pleasure to bring all of this knowledge to Gramercy Allergy & Asthma to provide comprehensive care for all of your allergy, asthma and immunological needs.
Core to her approach is taking a detailed history to capture your symptoms, identifying the cause of your problem and providing a fast solution. She is an expert in: allergies of the eyes, nose throat, and skin, asthma, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, hives, skin rashes, eczema, eosinophilia, drug allergy, aspirin allergy and desensitization, and immunological problems.