Running with asthma in cold weather can be safe if you plan ahead, manage your breathing, and use simple precautions to reduce bronchospasm and other risks. https://www.bvallergy.com/blog/cold-weather-and-asthma-breathing-tips-for-the-changing-season/
Why cold air matters
Cold, dry air can make airways tighten and trigger bronchoconstriction, which leads to coughing, wheeze, or shortness of breath during or after a run.https://www.bvallergy.com/blog/cold-weather-and-asthma-breathing-tips-for-the-changing-season/ Inhaling very cold air may cause exercise-induced bronchospasm even in people without chronic asthma, so extra care is needed when running outside in winter.https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a69849593/benefits-of-running-in-cold-weather/
Preparation before you head out
– Warm up indoors for 10 to 15 minutes with light movement to reduce airway sensitivity before going into cold air.https://www.apollo247.com/health-topics/asthma/how-to-avoid-asthma-attacks-during-winter
– Check windchill and air quality; high wind or poor air quality increases risk for breathing problems while running.https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a69849593/benefits-of-running-in-cold-weather/
– Dress in layers to protect your core and avoid losing body heat, which helps prevent overall stress on the body during a cardio workout.https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a69849593/benefits-of-running-in-cold-weather/
Breathing and covering your face
– Breathe through a scarf, buff, or cold-weather mask to warm and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs; this reduces the chance of bronchospasm when running in cold conditions.https://www.bvallergy.com/blog/cold-weather-and-asthma-breathing-tips-for-the-changing-season/
– Keep pace moderate and avoid sudden hard efforts outdoors; interval or high-intensity parts of a cardio workout are safer indoors or on a treadmill when it is very cold.https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a69849593/benefits-of-running-in-cold-weather/
Medication and monitoring
– Follow your asthma action plan and use pre-exercise inhaler or controller medication as your clinician recommends; taking a prescribed short-acting bronchodilator before exercise can prevent symptoms for many people.https://www.bvallergy.com/blog/cold-weather-and-asthma-breathing-tips-for-the-changing-season/
– Track symptoms and peak flow readings so you can recognize worsening control and avoid risky runs when lungs are already irritated.https://www.bvallergy.com/blog/cold-weather-and-asthma-breathing-tips-for-the-changing-season/
Practical route and workout choices
– Favor sheltered routes with less wind and better footing to reduce injury risk from ice and the added strain of slipping while running.https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a69849593/benefits-of-running-in-cold-weather/
– If your goal is loosing weight or steady cardio fitness, prioritize consistent, moderate-intensity runs and indoor cardio workout options when outside conditions are extreme.https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a69849593/benefits-of-running-in-cold-weather/
When to stay inside or see care
– Skip outdoor running and do indoor workouts if you have active wheeze, chest tightness, or recent respiratory infection. Cold air can worsen those problems.https://www.bvallergy.com/blog/cold-weather-and-asthma-breathing-tips-for-the-changing-season/
– Seek medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms such as trouble speaking, bluish lips, or peak flow well below your personal best.https://www.bvallergy.com/blog/cold-weather-and-asthma-breathing-tips-for-the-changing-season/
Extra tips
– Warm down indoors after the run to let airways return to normal gradually.https:/
