If you have asthma, what triggers an attack for you may be very different from what triggers an attack for another person. Common asthma triggers include: smoke, air pollution, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. But for some people, the weather itself can trigger an asthma attack. Extreme cold, high humidity, and even thunderstorms can kick off an asthma attack.
Many chronic lung issues are exacerbated by weather — so the problem isn’t unique to asthmatics.
It used to be that experts suggested asthmatics live in warm, dry climates. But nowadays, we have a lot of technology that lets us manage our home environments very closely. Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and more can make even the most asthma-unfriendly weather less of an issue. Well, as long as you don’t have to leave the house or office.
The current wisdom is that humidity of less than 50% is a good idea for asthmatics. Why? In part because high humidity levels encourage the growth of fungus and molds that can act as asthma triggers. But you need SOME moisture in the air — humidity of less than 15% can encourage coughing, which often isn’t good for folks with lung issues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggest an ambient humidity in the home between 35% and 50%.
If you associate humidity with heat, then asthma triggers because of cold come at the opposite end of the weather spectrum. Winter months bring extreme cold and dryness to the air — and maybe it’s the dryness that is more of a problem than the temperature. Dry air can irritate anyone’s lungs, but an asthmatic (or a person with another chronic lung problem) has to be extra careful. If you have to be out in the cold, breathe through your nose (instead of your mouth) to help keep nasal passages moist. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to help keep things warm.
And as far as thunderstorms are concerned? Current research seems to indicate that the turbulent weather triggers a release and spread of asthma (and allergy) triggers like pollen.
You don’t have to hide inside of the weather is a problem for your asthma or other lung issue. Knowing your triggers can help you reduce their effects — or avoid asthma attacks entirely.