DGP How do asthma patients get through the winter?

Pulmonologists recommend protective measures in the cold season

Many asthma patients are plagued by increased discomfort in winter. "Cold and damp cold fogs increase the symptoms of chronic respiratory disease and can lead to respiratory distress," warn the experts of the German Society for Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP). However, they have some tips on how affected people get through the cold season as carefree as possible.

According to the various triggers of asthma, the symptoms at different seasons can be particularly strong. Thus, those who are sensitive to flowering plants have a more relaxed time in winter, while patients with pet hair or house dust mites can be exacerbated by symptoms in the cold season, reports the DGP. The experts recommend the latter some protective measures to prevent the increased occurrence of symptoms in winter.

Asthma patients should protect themselves in the winter. For this purpose, the German Society of Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP) has some important tips ready. (Image: chalabala / fotolia.com)

Threatening asthma attacks

"The chronically irritated bronchi of asthma patients are more stressed when switching between dry, heated rooms and frosty air than at mild temperatures," explains DGP President Professor Dr. med. med. Klaus Rabe. As a result, the bronchi contract so that too little air gets into the airways. There is a risk of increased asthma attacks, in which the respiratory muscles become cramped and acute respiratory distress occurs. Recently, the British initiative, Asthma UK, campaigned in a special campaign for wearing a scarf over the nose and mouth to warm the air from inhalation, thus reducing the risk of such an asthma attack in winter.

Consistently take medication

In its latest communication, the German Society for Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine points out that in case of worsening of lung function in winter, the asthma patients - after consultation with the doctor - can also temporarily increase their dose of medication. It is important, however, "that the prescribed funds are really taken consistently and not only when needed," emphasizes Prof. Rabe. Asthma is treated with a corresponding base drug (bronchodilator aerosol) and an anti-inflammatory inhaler spray. To ensure successful therapy with the inhaler, the expert recommends training in handling the device. "Research shows that two out of three patients use their inhaler incorrectly, which reduces treatment success," says Rabe.

Protection against respiratory infections

The experts also recommend patients with asthma or other chronic lung disease to prepare their immune system for the cold season. Since colds and respiratory infections are more frequent and more severe to people with asthma than people who are healthy for the lungs, vaccinations against influenza or pneumococcal infections may be appropriate. If cold symptoms occur, Prof. Rabe advises early medical visits, since "early treatment, for example with inhaled cortisone, could possibly prevent an exacerbation".

Basic information

Despite the cold outside temperatures, asthma patients should ventilate their rooms regularly, emphasize the experts of the DGP. Furthermore, it is important to drink enough.and basically to a healthy diet. Alcohol should be avoided or consumed only in moderation and smoking should be avoided altogether. Last but not least, moderate exercise in the open can also help to improve lung function and increase the stimulation threshold for an asthma attack, according to the DGP experts. (Fp)