Winter Asthma Attacks: When To Go To The Emergency Room

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Studies have found that emergency room visits for asthma-related problems increase in the winter months. Many asthma sufferers find that winter exacerbates their asthma. But when is an ER visit necessary, and how can someone with asthma avoid a bad asthma attack during the cold months?

First, here's a brief overview of what people with asthma experience during an episode.

What Do Asthma Symptoms Look Like?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, those with asthma experience three changes in their airways when exposed to certain triggers:

• Swelling inside the airways
• Excess mucus that clogs the airways
• Muscle tightness that squeezes the airways.

All of these reactions make breathing difficult during an asthma episode.

An asthma attack may include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness and trouble sleeping. Not every asthma sufferer experiences all of these symptoms.

Asthma Triggers

Wintertime exposes the asthma sufferer to triggers such as cold, dry air, respiratory infections and frequent time spent indoors, which can lead to more exposure to triggers like dust, mold and pet dander.

When To Go To The ER

Emergencyphysicians.org recommends seeking medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent shortness of breath
• An asthma attack that is not responding to usual treatment, such as inhalers, or is getting worse quickly
• Lips or fingernails turning blue or gray
• Persistent chest tightness
• Straining for breath or experiencing the inability to complete a sentence without pausing for a breath
• Feelings of confusion or agitation

These are all signs of a medical emergency and can indicate impending respiratory system failure. Someone experiencing these symptoms should take any asthma quick-relief medication they are prescribed and either call 911 or head directly to the nearest ER.

Preventative Measures

To avoid emergency room visits, those with asthma should take proactive steps to protect themselves. Here’s what those with asthma can do to avoid a wintertime asthma attack that leads to an emergency room visit:

• Regularly take all prescribed medications, and bring an inhaler with you when leaving home if prescribed one.
• Stay indoors on very cold days, which can trigger an asthma attack.
• Try to avoid contracting respiratory illnesses by staying away from those who are ill, washing hands regularly and getting your flu and COVID vaccines early in the fall.
• Avoid exercising outdoors when it’s very cold out.
• Clean your home often to remove allergens such as dust and pet dander.
• Consider purchasing an air purifier and a humidifier for your home.

Those with asthma should seek medical treatment if symptoms feel out of control.​