Winter brings cold weather and keeps us inside where indoor triggers such as dust mites, pet allergens, smoke and viruses can worsen asthma symptoms. Outside cold, dry air may cause airways to tighten, making breathing more difficult.

As cold air can trigger asthma, you could try wearing a scarf around your mouth, and try to breathe through your nose, which warms and humidifies the air.

If asthma limits your physical activity, then it is likely that your asthma is not under control – see your doctor if you have regular symptoms during or after exercising. Asthma shouldn’t stop you from exercising outside in the winter. Take your preventer medications regularly, protect yourself from the cold, and warm up and cool down properly.

For information on how to manage your asthma this Winter, take a look at our factsheet, or call and speak to an Asthma Educator on 1800 645 130.