Breathed in freezing cold air

[brendak143]

I breathed in freezing cold air. Could not breathe. Doctors do not know what the effects on my lungs are. I am going t have tests this week. Has anyone else ever had this happen?

[mrsmummy]

Hello brendak143 . Most of us struggle in trying to breathe very cold air. I have seen it recommended somewhere that we should not go out when it is below 6 degrees. Wrapping a scarf around your mouth/nose to breathe through can help. Welcome to the forum.

[brendak143 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you for your helpful hints.

[brendak143 in reply to mrsmummy]

I have learned so much from this forum already.

[andyrrc in reply to mrsmummy]

I was not aware of that mrsmummy - That gives me another thing to think about, I have always been a winter person taking holidays in places where the temperature is usually well below zero. My last trip for a vacation in Finland was over a New Year in a place called Levi above the arctic circle and we went out on dog sleds in a temperature of -46C. (it was really cold but was well wrapped up from head to toe). My likely next assignment is in Kazakhstan and the winters there can get below -10C even lower from what I understand. I guess I will have to get my thoughts in place on how to handle it given the current reduction in capacity. Another thing I have learned from the forum and another thing I need to watch for

Thanks for asking the question brendak143 and thank for the answer mrsmummy

[brendak143 in reply to andyrrc]

I loved reading about all the places you have visited. Stay well and keep traveling!

[andyrrc in reply to brendak143]

Just had confirmation that I Will be going to Kazakhstan))) so winter will be very cold weather))

[Johnem in reply to andyrrc]

Hi Andy. I can't remember whether you said that you smoke, but if you do, bear in mind that when you combine smoking with exposure to cold air, your symptoms of breathlessness can increase exponentially.

Maybe a proper cold air mask will help if you don't have one and you love the winter.

[andyrrc in reply to Johnem]

Ex smoker recently stopped😇

Yes having been in some very cold climates over the years I have gained a good insight into keeping warm - in general I use many layers. But I also (being a motorcyclist) have heated clothing that can be either plugged I to the motorcycle or run from a battery pack. I have a coat which has a deep hood and where the collar comes up to my nose so I do not breath in direct from the outside but into the coat which takes the edge off the cold. Even with good lungs air at below -20C can cause some serious problems😁.

[Johnem in reply to andyrrc]

Congratulations on becoming an 'ex' smoker, you'll feel the benefit more and more as the weeks pass. I went 'cold' and found it hard to do 20 yrs ago, but I'm sure I would have been dead before now if I hadn't.

[andyrrc in reply to andyrrc]

Problem with the coat is that I don't like my face covered too closely but you do what you must. I have a few months to figure out what I will do next winter.

[greatauntali]

Strangely, I get on better with freezing cold air just as long as it is dry. Damp air is the worst as far as I am concerned which is a pity as I live on the west coast of Scotland.

[Caspiana]

Hello brendak143 .

A warm welcome to the forum. 😊👋 Yes definitely, cold air can make breathing so much harder for us. The muscles around our airways contract causing a narrowing of the airways which of course makes breathing much harder. Getting air in and out becomes laborious, making us short of breath. I, like greatauntali have an even harder time of it, when it is damp and cold. In severe cold weather a scarf is very handy. 🍃

I hope you had a good weekend.

Warm wishes,

Cas xx 🍀

[brendak143 in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you so much for your reply and concern! Brenda

[Donkster]

The cold air can restrict your breathing naturally are you asthmatic

[Stumpy55 in reply to Donkster]

I too prefer the cold air for breathing, at home I have a fan that is kept on because with central heating I feel suffocated. Like in the summer months I cannot stand the heat and I find it harder to breath. I😬like winter best because I wrap up warm and breath a lot better. 🤔

[brendak143 in reply to Donkster]

Yes, I am asthmatic as well.

[dak1507]

Twice last Wednesday I was caught out by a very very cold wind from nowhere straight in the face. The effect was not pleasant, in fact it was scary. Breathing on each occasion was difficult for a minute or three but putting into play the techniques learnt over the years I recovered. I know how you felt when it happened to you and I wish you well. Don't be too alarmed, keep warm and rested you will recover I am sure.

[brendak143 in reply to dak1507]

That is exactly what happened to me. It is now 14 weeks since that happened and I still have shortness of breath. Before I only had shortness of breath when I went up the stairs too quickly. Thank you so much!

[andyrrc]

I think it could be something like the cold shock you get when jumping into a cold pool or the sea when it is a very warm day. That takes your breath away and is not very pleasant. The sudden shock of really cold air into already weak lungs would not be fun.

[brendak143 in reply to andyrrc]

I agree with everything you wrote. Thanks!