Cold weather, and particularly cold air, can also play havoc with your lungs and health. Cold air is often dry air, and for many, especially those with chronic lung disease, that can spell trouble. Dry air can irritate the airways of people with lung diseases.
Breathing cold air can worsen respiratory issues
“Dry air can aggravate respiratory conditions so, if you have one or have a history of sickness or hospitalization, it's important to take extra precautions,” says Dr. Pitman.
What is known is that hotter air has the capacity to absorb and carry more water vapor than colder air. In other words, the hotter the air, the higher the humidity tends to be. That said, hot and humid air is thicker and heavier, and, therefore, harder to inhale.
According to pulmonologist Dr. Michael Scharf, inhaling cold air may cause bronchial irritation and cough. If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the cold air “may induce bronchial tightening or constriction leading to cough, wheeze and shortness of breath.”
The irritation of the cold dry air causes the lungs to react, resulting in more inflammation, the muscles around the airways constricting and narrowing and more mucous clogging the airways.
Understanding how weather can trigger your symptoms — and how to reduce your risks — are important steps in staying healthy in all kinds of weather. Researchers have determined the ideal environmental conditions for COPD patients include an air temperature of 70 degrees and a humidity level of 40%.
When temperatures chill, layers of the atmosphere are more likely to mix. This reduces pollution, making the air cleaner and easier to breathe. That's why breathing cold air feels healthier for many people.
Cold air is often dry air, and can irritate the airways if you have asthma, COPD or bronchitis. This can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Dress warmly and keep yourself dry.
Cooler air is more dense than warmer air. Warm air can actually hold more moisture because molecules are farther apart, making more room for moisture. Cold air is dense and compact; it's "thicker," so when you breathe in you get more oxygen.
Cold weather can raise your risk of heart and circulatory problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
In Air: Warm air contains the same percentage of oxygen as cold air, but the specific density is different than that of cold air which is heavier. This means that still 20% of oxygen is present, but 20% of a smaller amount.
Cooler air can, however, exacerbate an existing cough. So if you have a cold or other respiratory infection – such as pneumonia or bronchitis – then being outside in the cold can make you cough. This is why most coughs seem to get worse when the temperature falls after dark.
Staying hydrated
Getting enough water is as important for the lungs as it is for the rest of the body. “Staying well hydrated by taking in fluids throughout the day helps keep the mucosal linings in the lungs thin,” Singh says. “This thinner lining helps the lungs function better.”
The cold air actually hurts the lungs mainly because cold air is also dry air and when we breathe that cold air in, it's actually drying out our airways and that feeling can feel like a burning feeling. And this is more common, the colder it gets because as it gets colder the humidity drops lower.
COPD can get worse from an infection (such as a cold or pneumonia), from being around someone who is smoking, or from air pollution. Other health problems, such as congestive heart failure or a blood clot in the lungs, can make COPD worse.
When you are physically active, your heart and lungs work harder to supply the additional oxygen your muscles demand. Just like regular exercise makes your muscles stronger, it also makes your lungs and heart stronger.
Stop smoking.
This is the most important measure you can take for your overall health and the only one that might halt the progression of emphysema. Join a smoking cessation program if you need help giving up smoking. As much as possible, avoid secondhand smoke.
Cold air can be irritating and drying to the mouth and airway passages, and can trigger or intensify symptoms for those suffering from COPD. The effects of cold weather on COPD do not permanently exacerbate the condition, but they can temporarily compound the condition by constricting airflow to a greater degree.
Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as this will help warm the air you breathe in. Protect your lungs and airways from cold air by wearing a hood or scarf that covers your mouth. It's best to use a smooth material that isn't scratchy if you can.
Grate ginger (a medium-sized piece), add a tsp (or more) of honey and a few drops of lemon juice in water and put it to a boil. Reduce the mixture to half and strain in a cup. Sip it warm to detoxify your lungs naturally.
Green tea
Green tea contains many antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the lungs. These compounds may even protect lung tissue from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.
High-intensity running or ski racing below -15 C can cause irreparable lung damage, says exercise physiologist who recommends three ways to prevent it.