Breathing problem in winter: Stepping outside and feeling a cold wind blow against your face is a stark reminder that the wickedness of winter has arrived. For people who suffer from respiratory diseases including asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, taking a deep breath of cold air can be dangerous.
Here are 5 tips to help you breathe easier in cold weather:
1. Cover your face
People should protect their face and wear warm clothes while going out in cold weather. This retains some moisture and helps warm the air around the nose. Although some people find it irritating to have their scarf wet, remember that you are breathing in moisture rather than cold, dry air.
2. Breathe through your nose
The nose acts as a greater humidifier than the mouth, making nose breathing better than mouth breathing. Breathing through the nose with a face covering greatly reduces the chances of shortness of breath and chest tightness.
3. Avoid Intense Outdoor Exercise
Exercise makes breathing more difficult because it increases the amount of air you breathe in compared to when you are at rest. If you enjoy running or other intense outdoor exercise, wear appropriate clothing and drink enough water.
4. Keep yourself hydrated
When you stay hydrated, your body will be better able to protect your lungs from the environment and your mucus will be less thick and less likely to get trapped. Warm or hot herbal tea, water, lemon and raw honey are recommended. An added benefit is that some teas including chamomile or peppermint help to relax the airways.
5. Healthy indoor environment
People spend more time indoors in the winter, and there are steps you can take to make your indoor environment better for respiratory health. For example, take extra care to keep your home clean and free of allergens such as dust that make it difficult to breathe.
Additionally, people with respiratory conditions usually take medications to manage their condition.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on general information and is not a substitute for the opinion of a medical expert. Zee News does not confirm the same.)