A thin blanket of winter envelops us in its cold grip. Many people struggle with respiratory issues like asthma and allergic rhinitis as winter approaches. The condition is particularly prevalent in the winter due to the cold, dry air and dust drifting outside the house. As a result, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of shortness of breath during the winter.

Signs and Symptoms of Cold Breath

1. Breathing problems can result in weakness, trouble breathing, chest tightness, rapid breathing, and so forth.
2. If you have asthma, your symptoms will worsen with the beginning of winter. Frequent coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning. It may also induce chest discomfort and pressure in the chest.
3. Allergic rhinitis can cause persistent sneezing, as well as a cold or plugged nose. Itching in the eyes might worsen, and there is a propensity to water from the eyes.

What may be the reasons for this issue?

1. The air in winter is generally dry and frigid. The nose has blood arteries that warm and moisten the air before it reaches the lungs, but air taken directly from the mouth is chilly and dry.
2. Excessive dust indoors, such as furniture dust, pet fur, or other forms of fungus, attracts mites. This type of dust might be tough to breathe in.
3. Cold and flu viruses thrive in the winter, increasing the risk of respiratory infections that can exacerbate asthma and allergic rhinitis.
4. The airways are lined with a protective coating of mucus that prevents dust from entering the lungs. In cold temperatures, the body creates more mucus, but it is thicker and stickier than usual. 
5. Those who have a family history of asthma or allergic rhinitis are more prone to develop such conditions.
6. Those who are frequently exposed to polluted surroundings, tobacco smoke, or poisonous blackwash on the job, experience weaker and more sensitive airways in the winter.

Children and the elderly suffer a variety of respiratory difficulties throughout the winter. 

Home Remedies to Treat Colds in Winter

Stay hydrated

Winter’s dry air can dry up the mucous membranes of your respiratory system, causing discomfort and trouble breathing. Drink lots of water to keep your membranes wet and help you breathe better.

Use a humidifier

The humidifier provides moisture to the air, which helps to alleviate the dryness in your nasal passages and throat. This extra moisture reduces irritation and inflammation, helping you to breathe more comfortably. 

Steam inhalation

Steam inhalation thins mucus and moisturizes airways, reducing shortness of breath. The warmth of the steam relaxes the muscles around the airways, helping you to breathe more easily.

Hot drinks

Drink a warm beverage with herbal tea or lemon to calm your throat and minimize inflammation. It makes breathing easier. In addition, herbal drinks including ginger or honey will help your respiratory system. 

Stay at home

Exposure to excessively cold air can cause the airways to shrink, making it harder to breathe, especially in persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD. Staying indoors during extreme cold weather will help decrease exposure to these situations.

Avoid stimulants

Stimulants such as smoking, strong scents, and cleaning agents can aggravate the symptoms of shortness of breath and make breathing more difficult. minimize exposure to these stimulants, which will help minimize your shortness of breath. 

Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises will improve lung function and help increase breathing muscle strength, which makes breathing easier. You can do the parched-lip breathing exercise. Pursed-lip breathing involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through the parsed lips, which will help keep the airways open for longer.

Be active regularly

Physical activity improves cardiovascular health and lung function, which will help reduce shortness of breath. In the winter months, when outdoor exercise is limited, indoor activities such as yoga or walking can be an effective alternative.

Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises improve lung function and strengthen breathing muscles, making breathing easier. You can try the pursed-lip breathing technique. Pursed-lip breathing entails inhaling through the nose and gently expelling through the parsed lips, which helps keep the airways open longer.

Maintain consistent physical activity

Physical exercise improves cardiovascular health and lung function, hence reducing shortness of breath. Indoor activities such as yoga or walking can be a good substitute for outdoor exercise during the winter. 

Winter brings its own challenges for those who have shortness of breath, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. This challenge can be tackled during winter through lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and appropriate treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, it is essential to consult a physician for personal protection and care.