Why asthma symptoms spike in winter and how to prevent flare-ups

Cold air, pollution and infections make winter a high-risk season for asthma patients. (Image: Pexels)

• Sonia Gandhi hospitalized for mild asthma flare-up due to cold and pollution
• Winter worsens asthma symptoms, especially in older adults and children
• Experts advise inhaler use, flu shots, and avoiding pollution to prevent attacks

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Bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, has returned to public attention after Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, on January 5, following respiratory discomfort.

According to Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, her bronchial asthma was mildly exacerbated due to cold weather and high pollution levels, and she was hospitalised as a precaution. Hospital authorities confirmed that her condition is stable and that she is responding well to treatment.

Winter asthma flare-ups are common

Such seasonal exacerbations are not unusual. Hospitals in northern India see a big jump in emergency visits and admissions related to asthma during winter. This affects older people, kids, and those who already have breathing problems the most.

Also Read: Understanding wheezing and asthma: Know symptoms, types, triggers and prevention tips

Health records from many Indian cities show that cold weather, bad air, and more breathing infections combine to make things risky for people with asthma.

This brings an important question into focus: what exactly is bronchial asthma, and why do symptoms worsen during winter?

What is bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma makes the airways in your lungs always swollen. This means the breathing tubes react too much to certain things. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) says you can tell someone has it if they keep having these problems:

• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Tight chest
• Cough that won't go away, often worse at night or early morning

Asthma triggers inflammation that narrows the airways (bronchoconstriction), makes the airway lining swell, and leads to too much mucus. These changes make it hard to breathe. People with asthma can have mild to severe symptoms. Without proper care, some cases can even put a person's life at risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says asthma affects more than 260 million people around the world. It also causes over 450,000 deaths each year. Many of these deaths could be avoided with early diagnosis and the right treatment.

What makes asthma worse when it's cold outside?

Medical professionals and lung health specialists highlight a few winter-specific triggers:

Exposure to cold air

Inhaling cold, dry air can irritate your airways. Research shows that cold air causes your airway muscles to tighten, which leads to wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma often experience this response more.

High levels of air pollution

Winter months in northern India bring higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10. This happens because of temperature inversion, car emissions, and the burning of plant matter. The WHO recognises air pollution as a major factor that sets off asthma attacks, increasing inflammation and the need for emergency medicine or hospital visits.

Spike in breathing problems

Cold weather goes hand in hand with more viral infections like the flu and colds. Both the WHO and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) point out that these viral bugs are some of the main triggers for asthma flare-ups in kids and older folks.

More time spent inside

People hole up indoors when it's chilly outside, which means they're around more dust mites, mold pet hair, and indoor pollutants. Poor airflow makes the air quality inside even worse, which can make symptoms act up.

Weaker lung defenses

Studies show cold air can lower the lungs' natural protection, making people with asthma more likely to get inflamed or infected.

Who faces higher risks?

GINA and WHO guidelines say winter asthma flare-ups happen more often in:

• Older adults
• Kids
• People who don't control their asthma well
• Those in polluted areas
• People with other breathing or heart problems

Also Read: World Asthma Day 2025: 6 tips to manage asthma symptoms effectively, avoid triggers

How to stop winter asthma attacks?

Health experts say these steps can cut down the chances of attacks:

• Keep taking your inhaled steroids as your doctor told you
• Wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth outside to warm the air you breathe
• Check the daily air quality index (AQI) and stay in when pollution is high
• Get your flu shot
• Keep your home clean and well-aired
• See a doctor right away if you feel worse

FAQs on asthma attacks

What should I do during an asthma attack?

Use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed, sit up straight, stay calm, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms do not improve.

How can I prevent asthma attacks?

Follow your asthma action plan, avoid known triggers, take medications as prescribed, and maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.

What are common triggers of asthma attacks?

Common triggers include allergens, cold air, air pollution, respiratory infections, and physical activity.

Can asthma attacks be life-threatening?

Yes, severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.

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.