How cold weather and shortness of breath are connected

Why cold air affects breathing

Cold, dry air can irritate the airways and cause them to tighten, especially in people with asthma or COPD. Breathing through your mouth during exercise makes the effect stronger, because the air isn’t warmed and humidified by the nose first.

Winter also brings more respiratory infections, which are a common trigger for asthma and COPD flare-ups.

Simple ways to protect your breathing

• Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to warm the air you breathe.

• Breathe through your nose where you can.

• Keep your reliever inhaler with you, and use any controller inhaler as prescribed.

• Warm up indoors before exercising outside.

• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.

When to see a pulmonologist

If cold weather regularly leaves you breathless, wheezing or coughing, it may be a sign that asthma or COPD isn’t well controlled or hasn’t been diagnosed yet. Medimprove can test your lung function on-site, usually in a single visit.