West Florida News

• Colder weather can cause more severe symptoms in asthma sufferers.

• Allergy triggers can also set off asthma attacks.

• Undergoing allergy treatment can help reduce asthma symptoms.  

With cooler weather during the winter months, Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers pointed out that people who are battling chronic sinus problems often have the dual issue of asthma and sinus infections.

"(If you) have a multitude of allergies, immunotherapy is the way to go,” Blair told West Florida News. “And depending on which dilution you're at, it's quite complicated.”

According to Temple Health, people suffering with asthma may notice that their symptoms are more severe during the winter, a result of the dry air and rapid changes in the weather conditions. A nurse practitioner with the Temple Lung Center also noted that the dry air can reduce the protective fluid in the airways of the lungs, leading to inflammation and irritation, exacerbating the symptoms of asthma, which can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tightness and pain in the chest.

“However, there is sublingual allergy treatment now for certain allergens out there, where all you need to do is start taking a sublingual -- it’s a tablet, a little piece of paper, a dissolvable piece of paper -- that will absorb into your blood system instead of getting an injection,” Blair said.

Respiratory illnesses can cause the airways to become swollen and irritated, which can set off asthma symptoms. A few simple strategies to combat asthma attacks brought on by cold weather are dressing warmly when you go outside, breathing through the nose as often as possible, using a humidifier, exercising indoors and staying hydrated. Frequently washing your hands can also help reduce your chances of catching a cold or the flu.

The Mayo Clinic said that people diagnosed with asthma also often suffer from various forms of allergies. As the body’s immune system fights off allergens, it releases chemicals that can spark a runny nose, decongestion and skin issues. However, treatments can reduce a person’s reactions to the allergens and reduce the symptoms of asthma.

If you're interested in learning more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.