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.
Cold air may worsen asthmatic bronchoconstriction but can lessen breathlessness in normal individuals. Patients with COPD sometimes report improvement in their dyspnea in cold weather.
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. This can lead to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
The European respiratory journal states that breathing hot air causes inflammation in the airways and results in shortness of breath or bronchoconstriction. Furthermore, dehydration is common in hot weather to dry out the nasal passage, bronchial tubes, and the lungs resulting in shortness of breath.
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%.
Cold air can trigger asthma symptoms and flare-ups, especially when there's dryness in cold air. For many people with asthma, it's the dryness in cold air that can lead to breathing problems. Cold air accompanied by windy conditions can also trigger symptoms.
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.
Lower risk of diseases and infections
Catching a cold is still likely during cold weather, but you are in the clear for several diseases and viruses that are more prevalent during warmer temperatures. Mosquitos are known to carry a lot of diseases, but during the winter they are hibernating.
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. Thicker air also means there's more for a crane's wings to push against.
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.
Cold air is more dense, and contains more pounds of oxygen per cubic foot than warm air. (See Figure 3.) This means that, for a given air setting, the burner fan will deliver more oxygen when the air is cold than when it is warm.
Another reason for living longer in colder climates is when your colder, the body needs additional mitochondria to warm you up, and mitochondria also slows the aging process.
2. It can help you fight off infections. You might be more susceptible to colds in the winter time, but according to this study, when your immune system adapts to cold environments, its ability to fight off infection gets stronger.
Cold weather can raise your risk of heart and circulatory problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
For people living with emphysema, chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cold air may worsen symptoms. That is because breathing in cold, dry air causes the airways to narrow, therefore restricting airflow in and out of the lungs and making it more difficult to breath.
Colder temperatures can act as a tonic or astringent reducing clogged pores and keeping them less visible. Cold weather also slows down and prevents the secretion of sebum, keeping shine at bay and waterproofing your skin and hair. Open pores and less oil means reduced acne as well.
Cold or damp air
You might notice that your asthma symptoms get worse when it's cold. Don't worry, you're not alone. Cold air is dry, which irritates your airways. It can also make you produce more mucus, which can make your asthma feel worse.
Best weather for asthma
Some people with asthma experience problems in very cold or hot temperatures, which can increase airway irritation. Mild temperatures and low levels of humidity might decrease the risk of airway irritation.
Most people with asthma have a dry cough, one that does not produce mucous. This happens when the airways constrict in response to an irritant and is a feature of asthma. As well as the cough there is often a high-pitched wheeze sound that is also caused by the constricted airway.
In an article titled “The Health Benefits of Ocean Air“, the Lung Health Institute claims that breathing in salt-rich air can benefit certain medical conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis and COPD. The article also lists medical studies showing evidence that this type of salt therapy can: reduce mucus. reduce coughing.
"COPD is a disease with a lot of moving parts," says Albert A. Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. "It's not a death sentence by any means. Many people will live into their 70s, 80s, or 90s with COPD.”
Other Benefits Of Living In a Colder Climate
Colder weather can keep us looking younger as well, according to some experts. Cold weather can act as a tonic or astringent, reducing acne and keeping pores less visible.