Winter season always brings health issues including flu, sore throats and colds. If you suffer from asthma, like 5.4million people in the UK do! Then cold air can heighten the symptoms of asthma including coughing and wheezing. We have written a small blog based on how to manage your asthma this winter.

Top Tips To Help Manage Your Asthma This Winter

• Stay on top of your medicine regime and ensure you carry your inhaler with you at all times - Your preventer inhaler helps build up protection in your airways and overtime your lungs will become less sensitive to seasonal changes. Your reliever inhaler should be used when you notice any symptoms of asthma such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or a tightening chest.
  

• Wrap up warm and protect your nose and mouth with a scarf - Cold air can trigger an asthma attack, so wrapping up warm and loosely covering your nose and mouth will help to regulate the temperature of the air you breathe.

• Breath through your nose - Breathing through your nose helps to warm the air up before it enters your lungs, as opposed to directly entering the lungs when inhaled through the mouth.
   

• Avoid Triggers -  There are so many triggers that can set the symptoms of asthma off including; scented candles, dust and pets. Alongside the cold weather, open fires can also trigger the symptoms of asthma off. For those with asthma or COPD, the above are common triggers of an asthma attack.
  

Remember - If you suffer from asthma, you are entitled to a FREE NHS flu jab to help reduce your chances of contracting the flu and worsening your asthma symptoms. Get yours today at your local iPharm Pharmacy.