Don’t let the Seasonal Weather Changes Take Your Breath Away
Weather · Seasons & Respiratory Health
Have you noticed that your daily routine changes with the seasons?
From planning outdoor activities to adjusting what you wear, changing weather can affect many aspects of everyday life. For some people, it can also trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
Weather changes impacting your lifestyle
Every season brings its own changes in temperature, humidity, wind, and exposure to environmental allergens. And these weather changes can affect your breathing and airways.
People with lung disease like allergic rhinitis or asthma should keep an eye on sudden weather changes, as they can worsen lung symptoms. Hence, it is important to recognize your seasonal triggers and take steps to avoid them.
Triggers to look out for:
- Summer: Humidity, summer pollens (pollen allergy)
- Winter: Cold dry air, indoor allergens, exposure to infections
- Monsoon: Mold spores, pollen (pollen allergy)
What's in the forecast for your lungs?
Hot, cold, rainy, or windy—any type of weather changes can affect your breathing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and stay one step ahead to enjoy outdoor activities while keeping your lungs protected.
Hot and humid weather:
Hot and humid weather can make breathing more difficult, especially for people with breathing problems.
- Heat and humidity can make asthma symptoms worse.
- Breathing hot humid air induces airway irritation and cough in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Tip: Access to air conditioning can be important during the hot summer months, so add air-conditioning to your home if you can. Limit your exposure time for outdoor activities.
Cold and dry weather:
Cold and dry weather can irritate your airways and worsen lung symptoms, such as cough and wheezing, and shortness of breath. Inhaling cold air can trigger asthma symptoms.
Tip: Loosely wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth to warm the air before it enters your lungs. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Breathing disorder patients: Be Proactive, Breathe Easier
If you cannot control the weather changes, control its impact on your lungs.
Medications: Always carry your quick-relief medication and use it at the first sign of symptoms.
Air quality: Check the air quality forecast and limit outdoor activities when pollution is high.
Maintain diary: Keep a diary of your symptoms and medications to help you and your health care provider identify seasonal triggers.
Asthma action plan: Ask your doctor for a personalized asthma action plan to help manage your asthma symptoms.
Whether the Weather Is Hot or Cold, Protect Every Breath Like Gold!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is to help you understand about cough, cold, and allergy a little better — it's not a substitute for seeing a doctor. Every person is different, so please check with a healthcare professional for advice specific to you or your child, especially before starting any medication or if symptoms last more than a few days. If you're ever worried, don't wait — reach out to your doctor.References:
- Rutkowski S. Recognizing and preparing for seasonal triggers. Asthma Magazine. 2000 May 1;5(3):11-3.
- American Lung Association. Weather and your lungs [Internet]. Available from: https://www.lung.org/blog/weather-and-your-lungs
- Lee H, Yoon HY. Impact of ambient temperature on respiratory disease: a case-crossover study in Seoul. Respir Res. 2024 Feb 5;25(1):73.
- Singhal RP, Khandelwal S, Gupta AB. Patterns of Allergy-Related Healthcare Utilization and Medicine Consumption in Relation to Aeroallergen Exposure. Aerobiology. 2025 Dec 22;4(1):2.
- Khosravi M, et al. Breathing hot humid air induces airway irritation and cough in patients with allergic rhinitis. Respiratory physiology & neurobiology. 2014 Jul 1;198:13-9.
- Afrouz MA. Evaluation of Seasonal Differences in the Quality of Life of Patients With Asthma (Master's thesis, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)).