Cold weather and asthma

[SaraMarie24]

Anyone else affected by cold weather? It snowed last night in NJ and I was up on and off wheezing and needing my rescue inhaler. One thing that I have tried and decided to again is a nice hot cup of coffee. And my chest feels sooo much better!

[Minushabens Asthma Captain]

Yes, cold weather can be a nightmare, I always struggle with it. This time last year was very hard over here (UK), but we have just had the warmest February in history here (temperatures of around 60-65° over the last couple of weeks) so I've dodged that bullet so far this winter!

[SaraMarie24]

Same! Last month, we had some very warm days as well! I’m definitely not planning on going out today! I was so surprised when I read about coffee as relief but so happy. It’s a good thing we like it!! Glad it helped you!

[Minushabens Asthma Captain in reply to SaraMarie24]

I've never actually drunk that much coffee although I do like it...I suppose it is well-known as a bit of an energiser so maybe I need to up my intake!

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Minushabens]

If you find a flavor you like, it’s a plus! Or you could always use a flavored creamer

[Minushabens Asthma Captain in reply to SaraMarie24]

I actually like it black & strong. I always buy ultra strong brands. I just don’t drink it very often. I might see about adding an extra cup a day

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Minushabens]

I gotcha. Well that’s good! Enjoy!! I’ve been drinking a new type that’s light roast and tastes like cake😋🎂☕️

[Minushabens Asthma Captain in reply to SaraMarie24]

As well as asthma, I suffer from a condition called ABPA & am part of a few groups run by one of Britain's leading experts. He posted some research a while ago that had tested ordinary types of medication with the same drug, but where they had added cocoa powder & discovered that the latter were slightly more effective.

So...chocolate, as it turns out, is really good for you

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Minushabens]

Haha perfect Is dark chocolate better, or was it just chocolate in general?

[Minushabens Asthma Captain in reply to SaraMarie24]

I don't know - I am busy testing this out on every different bar of chocolate I can get my hands on. I'll update you when I come to any conclusions.

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Minushabens]

Awesome, thank you! And enjoy the process!

[Sharaybia]

Cold weather triggers my asthma sometimes like i stay in state of South Carolina and weather is very crazy here and I take all my medicines but I don't drink coffee but I heard people telling me that's it's good for you and it help open up your airways but u would have to drink it dark

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Sharaybia]

I’m actually surprised that there is some effect with it. As long as it’s what you like and works!

[Sharaybia in reply to SaraMarie24]

Exactly

[Mahod Asthma Captain]

If breathing in the cold, it affects me!! I toss a scarf around mouth and nose. Really does the trick! Hot, black coffee works for me too. I'm a fan of herbal teas, honey, grated ginger root, lemon and tumeric or pinch of cheyenne.

Cold air constricts airways and is just not our friend without some kind of protection.

Stay well🤗🙏

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Mahod]

Same to you! Thanks for sharing!!

[Putnam Asthma Captain in reply to SaraMarie24]

I am really planning to get out of New York’s , Hudson Valley, for 5 months a year.

Some where on the beach with salt air and some bike riding.

[Putnam Asthma Captain]

Coffee for me, too.

[Putnam Asthma Captain]

I really hate the cold anymore.

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Putnam]

Same, I’m over it. Thankfully, today is a much better day and my breathing is a lot better🙌🏼

[NickFoster]

With cold weather it's super important to AVOID breathing through your mouth whenever possible. The nose is designed to warm and moisten the air we breathe so when we mouth-breathe a bunch of cold dry air we're going to irritate our throats and lungs. By the end of the day it's no surprise you're up coughing and needing your puffer.

My advice to all asthmatics is to breathe through your nose whenever it isn't stuffed (common for asthmatics), and maybe wear a scarf and put it over your nose and mouth for extra protection. Don't be a mouth-breather!

Cheers,

Nick

[Jjude1003]

I live not far from you but I'm currently in Miami visiting friends for a few weeks and I have to say that coming down to the warm weather has done wonders I also seem to struggle more in the cold but it seems more complicated than just temperature. Any change in weather, especially when bad storms come (snow or rain), seem to cause me to struggle more. In addition to cold it seems like humidity and atmospheric pressure change are also variables. Anyway, I totally agree about the coffee thing. It seems to be one of the short acting things that works best for me. If it's the middle of the night and I don't want to be kept awake I've also found that a nice hot cup of herbal tea is also helpful.

[SaraMarie24 in reply to Jjude1003]

Same, I added tea to my regimen. I think the air quality is definitely my struggle. I did get a humidifier for when I go to bed and I think that has helped some. Warm weather is a huge plus!