Senior doctor explains why asthma & COPD worsen in winter; triggers and prevention tips

Cold air, pollution and indoor allergens worsen asthma and COPD in winter. Learn the key triggers and expert-backed precautions to prevent flare-ups. (Image: Pexels)

Winter is typically a relief from the heat, but for individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the colder season can prove to be anything but utopian. Respiratory flare-ups increase sharply in winter, with many patients landing up with pulmonologists for timely intervention or hospitalisation across the country. Cold air can annoy the airways, making them constrict and creating extra work for already sensitive lungs. The dryness of the air exacerbates inflammation, pollution levels are higher both indoor dust and smoke from heaters contribute to the load.

So many people think their increased symptoms are a part of the season and that it will get better on its own, only to end up in respiratory crisis because they waited too long to seek help. Others cut back on outdoor exercise during the winter, or spend more time inside, where exposure to allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mould — all potential triggers or aggravators of flare-ups — increases. But with the right information and timely precautions, the risk can be mitigated significantly, says Dr Nalini Nagalla, HOD & Sr Consultant, Pulmonology & Sleep Disorders, Arete Hospitals.

Understanding winter-specific triggers, staying on top of medication schedules and practising some simple precautions can make the difference between asthma and COPD patients breathing easily or ending up in hospital this time of year.

Also Read: Why COPD cases are rising sharply in India and why it’s no longer a smoker’s disease
1. Cold air shocks the airways

Cold, dry air tends to bother the airways and can easily inflame the lining of the breathing passages. When the airways react this way, they tighten quickly, which brings on coughing, wheezing or a sense of pressure in the chest. These spells are often worse in the early morning or late at night, when the chill in the air is at its peak.

2. Pollution hits its worst levels

In winter, temperature inversion keeps pollutants trapped closer to the ground. Dust, vehicle smoke and fine particles stay in the air for much longer. When these irritants reach the lungs, they can spark inflammation, making it harder for asthma or COPD patients to breathe comfortably. Even brief exposure can trigger symptoms that persist.

3. More time indoors means more allergens

With windows shut and people staying inside, indoor triggers become more noticeable. Dust mites, pet hair, mould spots and even strong cleaning products can quietly irritate sensitive airways. Limited ventilation only makes the indoor air heavier and more troublesome.

4. Winter infections spread faster

The colder months bring a spike in viral illnesses. For someone with asthma or COPD, a simple throat or nose infection can quickly turn into chest congestion or a flare-up. These infections increase inflammation in the airways, making breathing noticeably tougher.

5. Disrupted routines affect treatment

With holidays, travel plans and late nights, it’s easy for people to miss a dose or forget to use their inhaler. But even a small gap in treatment can make the airways more sensitive than usual — and when that’s paired with cold weather and poor air quality, flare-ups become much more likely.

Precautions Specialists Emphasise

Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or scarf when you’re out in the cold. Staying warm can help prevent sudden tightening of the airways.

2. Improve indoor air quality

Keep your space clean, use the exhaust while cooking, and let in fresh air during the warmest part of the day.

3. Stick to prescribed inhalers

Make sure you stay regular with your controller medications. Keep rescue inhalers easily accessible, especially while travelling. A simple flu vaccination each year can also save you a lot of trouble by preventing infection-triggered attacks.

Also Read: Pollution in winter and COPD: Keep your lungs healthy and safe with these easy tips

4. Treat infections early

If you start noticing a fever, cough, or any breathlessness that feels out of the ordinary, reach out to your doctor without delay. Getting help early can stop the flare-up from getting worse.

5. Shift exercise to safer hours

Try to skip strenuous outdoor activity in the early mornings. A walk later in the day, or an indoor routine, is usually a safer choice during winter.

FAQs on Increased COPD During Winters

Cold, dry air and increased indoor pollution during winter can irritate and inflame airways, making COPD symptoms worse.

What can COPD patients do to protect themselves in winter?

COPD patients should stay warm, use prescribed inhalers regularly, improve indoor air quality, treat infections promptly, and exercise during safer hours.

Are indoor allergens a concern for COPD patients?

Yes, spending more time indoors can increase exposure to allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mould, which can aggravate COPD symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.