GP warns of 'little known' symptoms that appear in cold weather
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A doctor has shared the little known symptoms anyone exercising during winter should look out for. As temperatures drop, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Dr Neel Patel, shared the advice for asthma sufferers who want to keep active. A new survey from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor reveals that 64% of people find it more difficult to regulate their breathing when exercising in cold weather. A further 66% admit they become breathless more quickly.
However, for those who suffer from asthma, symptoms can be much worse in winter. Dr Patel has revealed how to manage asthma in cold weather and offered tips to those who want to stay active, but find they easily become short of breath. According to the doctor, asthma can be worse in winter. He said: "Exercising in cold weather is harder for everyone. But it can be even more of a problem if you have a lung condition.
“Asthma sufferers often find exercising in cold, dry air can cause a flare-up. Asthma & Lung UK found 70% of people with lung conditions said cold air worsened their symptoms. “This is because cold, dry air can irritate your airways, worsening symptoms like wheezing, coughing and breathlessness. Plus, cold air can cause your airways to narrow. This can increase the amount of mucus you produce making it hard to breathe.
“On top of this, cold air can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight respiratory infections like colds and flu. Plus, when it’s cold, we tend to spend more time indoors where respiratory infections can spread more easily.".
