We all love cozy sweaters and hot drinks in the winter, but the cold air can be hard on your lungs. Even in healthy people, cold winds and cold mornings can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. outdoor training A long walk in sub-zero temperatures may feel exhilarating, but it can put more stress on your respiratory system than you’d like.
Dr Loveleen Mangla, Senior Consultant and Head of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Metro Hospitals, Faridabad, talks to HT Lifestyle about how cold waves affect the lungs and how to protect your respiratory health. (Also read: Mumbai dermatologist says why online hair and skin advice can’t replace a physical check-up: ‘AI can help, but it’s up to the doctor to decide’ )
Effects of cold air on the lungs
“Cold, dry air reflexively constricts the airways, which can cause shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing, even in people without symptoms. asthma“This narrowing of the airways, known as bronchoconstriction, is one of the main reasons people feel uncomfortable in extreme cold. Cold air can also dry out and irritate the lining of the airways, causing inflammation and making the lungs more sensitive and reactive,” says Dr. Mangla.
Another effect of cold is on the body’s defense mechanisms. ““Cold air can impair your mucociliary clearance system, the tiny hairs in your airways that filter out bacteria and particles, making you more susceptible to infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia,” explains Dr. Mangla. “Furthermore, cold air can thicken mucus and make it harder to expel, leading to nasal congestion and persistent coughing,” he points out.
There are other risks for people who exercise outdoors. “Healthy people, especially runners and outdoor workers, can develop asthma-like symptoms. cold weatherIt’s known as exercise-induced bronchospasm,” says Dr. Mangla.
“You may experience a persistent or dry cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath during exercise, wheezing after exposure to cold, or an increased frequency of respiratory infections,” explains Dr. Mangla.
Risks for people with asthma or COPD
“Cold weather can be dangerous for asthma and people with asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease “Cold air directly affects the airways and increases stress on the body. In COPD, damaged lungs are already struggling to exchange oxygen,” she warns. Cold stress can make breathing difficult and cause low blood oxygen levels. Extreme cold can coincide with increased rates of influenza, pneumonia, and bronchitis, which can also worsen symptoms and lead to hospitalization. ”
who is more vulnerable
- children and elderly
- Smoker or former smoker
- people with allergies
- people exercising or working outdoors
- recent ones viral infection
Preventive measures
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities in extreme cold.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask
- Stay hydrated even in winter.
- Warm up properly before exercising.
- Use your prescribed inhaler regularly.
- Keeps indoor air warm and humid.
- Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.
- If you have a persistent cough or shortness of breath, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
When to see a doctor
““Tell your doctor if your symptoms persist for more than two to three weeks, if your wheezing or shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, or bloody sputum return, or if your symptoms worsen with exposure to cold,” Dr. Mangla recommends.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.