What are the best ways to prevent a cold air triggered asthma attack when outside during the winter?
I have asthma, but I haven’t taken medication for my asthma in well over 5 years. It is rarely a problem for me, but cold air seems to be my biggest trigger.
I wear a scarf over my mouth and nose, which helps, but it can be difficult to keep it positioned if I’m not holding it in place, or if the wind is blowing, or if I have a bag of dog poop in one hand and a leash in another.
Are there articles of winter clothing meant to cover the mouth and nose without moving? Aside from medication, are there other ways to protect myself from asthma attacks if I’m walking or jogging in the winter?
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Breathe in through your nose – Your nose is designed to warm and humidify air. Wear a scarf that covers both nose and mouth. Use your reliever inhaler about 15 minutes before going out into the cold air.
How about stuff like this? They’re not very attractive, but I haven’t been through the whole collection, maybe there’s something prettier.
@JilltheTooth hehe, I could rob a bank AND walk the dog all in one fell swoop.
@Lightlyseared I don’t have a rescue inhaler. I don’t use any type of medication for my asthma.
@ANef_is_Enuf : I just seconds ago! mentioned this to a friend. She knits stuff like this all the time. Do you have any friends who could knit you something like those? They could be pretty, and custom made to your face.
Maybe get a tummy bag, or a fanny pack, or a small backpack to carry your leash and your dog poop in…
@JilltheTooth actually, your search made a big difference, because I looked up “neck warmers” and that is giving me some pretty options. Thanks a bunch.
@HungryGuy I’m too hip for a fanny pack. And, the dog is usually attached to the leash. :)
You get one of these Its like a scarf but won’t blow away and looks less like you’re about to rob a bank. It may be worth getting a salbutamol inhaler just for this.
@ANef_is_Enuf – Ohhh. You didn’t say the leash was attached to anything (like a dog). So attach the fanny pack to the dog and make him carry his own poop…
@Lightlyseared yes, those are exactly what I had in mind. Thank you!
Personally, I choose not to use an inhaler, simply based on my own experience that the more often I use one.. the more often my asthma seems to flare up. That isn’t based on any studies, but, I have felt that over the years it really is true for me. I kept an inhaler in the house in case of emergencies for ages, but, they kept expiring since I never used them.
Hahaha. I love the idea of my dog carrying a fanny pack of poo.
How about a surgical mask?
Premedicate with albuterol.
The scarf thing works perfectly for me. I’ve gone for runs and rides in 5 degree weather and as long as I breathe through the scarf or bacalva I am fine. They make cool looking bacalvas for folks who care to not look like they are on a mission.
This one has my name written all over it. ;)
Lands End makes fleece baclavas in colors other than black, so you won’t look so criminal. Neck gaiters, too. Unfortunately, it’s not letting me post links to the items, so you’ll have to enter “baclava” and “neck gaiter” into the search box on the site.
Also: [mod says] This is our Question of the Day!
I know what a “neck gaiter” is, but the term sounds like an icky growth.
@JilltheTooth neck gaiter made me think of a hillbilly hanging out in the swamp.
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