January 2012 / Brooklyn Family / Columnists / Family Health

Living better with winter asthma

By Pramod Narula, MD, Chariman and Pediatric Pulmonologist, Department of Pediatrics, New York Methodist Hospital

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My daughter suffers from asthma, and each year it is worse in the winter. She gets sick often and has trouble breathing if she is outside for too long. However, I don’t want to keep her cooped up inside while her friends and classmates get to play in the snow. What can I do to reduce her winter asthma symptoms?

As you noted, there is some truth to what our grandmothers told us as children — cold air can affect our health. It is natural for a thin lining of mucus to coat the inside of the lungs. In more moderate temperatures, the lining protects and helps the lungs flush out particles that are breathed in. However, cold air can thicken this mucus lining and slow down the removal of particles, thus increasing the risk of infection. When the lungs come into contact with cold air, they release histamine. Histamine causes inflammation in the lungs, and wheezing in asthmatics.

That said, there are many ways to effectively manage asthma and help your daughter enjoy playing outside during the winter months. A simple solution is to wear a scarf over the mouth and nose — this warms the air that is breathed into the lungs.

It is also important to manage the indoor air quality of your home to improve your family’s respiratory health. When the weather is cold, we tend to spend more time indoors and are less likely to open windows for air circulation. As a result, we breathe in poorer quality air in the winter. This is especially problematic for those with asthma.

To improve the quality of indoor air in your home, identify what ”triggers” your daughter’s asthma. Indoor triggers can often include mold or dust mites.

To get rid of mold, clean with a mold and mildew remover, to ensure that all of the mold has been removed. HEPA air filters are also a worthwhile investment for asthmatics; they remove 99 percent of molds and particles in the air, making it easier to breathe indoors. It is also a good idea to change shower curtain liners frequently, as bathrooms are moist and more prone to mold.

Dust mites may also be an issue for asthma sufferers. The best way to avoid dust is to clean on a regular basis; however, it is important to make sure you are cleaning effectively. Many cleaning products simply push dust and dirt particles around.

Use electrostatic dust cloths and a HEPA-filtered vacuum to be sure that you are eliminating dust mites from your home. You can also add allergen detergents to your washing machine when washing towels and sheets to remove dust mites from items that are frequently in contact with the face. Finally, if you have a dog or cat, wipe down your pet with pet-friendly cleansing wipes once per week to manage pet dander.

Every asthmatic has different triggers, so it is important to pay attention to your daughter’s condition and make adjustments accordingly. If symptoms worsen significantly, make an appointment with your pediatrician. Your daughter may need a different prescription or treatment plan. For most, asthma is a manageable condition, and with some diligence, many asthmatics find that they can enjoy activities in any season.

©2012 Community Newspaper Group