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Winter Exercise May Exacerbate Asthma Complications RAHWAY, NJ -- February 12, 1998 -- Whether speed walking or taking the dog for a run, avid exercisers don't let the icy temperatures of winter keep them indoors. But many people don't realize that exercising in cold weather can be hazardous for the 10 million Americans with asthma. According to the National Institutes of Health, asthma rates rose 61 percent from 1982 to 1994 and death rates from asthma have increased over 66 percent since 1979. "It's crucial that all asthmatics know about possible triggers. For active men and women, that means being aware of the potential dangers of cold weather exercise," said Robert Bogin, MD, an editor of the Merck Manual of Medical Information - Home Edition, and a pulmonologist. "Winter is already a difficult time for asthmatics because ailments like the cold and flu can evolve into more serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia," Bogin said. "Adding exercise to the mix can mean even more trouble. The combination of winter's cold air and low humidity irritates the airways, making it more difficult to breathe, especially when exercise increases the rate of breathing." According to the Home Edition, asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow in response to certain stimuli such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, smoke, cold air and exercise. When exercising, most people breathe through the mouth, rather than the nose. Because cold air inhaled through the mouth does not have a chance to warm up before entering the lungs, it can trigger an attack in people with asthma. Any common winter activity can be potentially harmful -- downhill and cross-country skiing, skating, jogging, even sledding or building a snowman. "People may be aware of the risks associated with winter sports, but don't realize that even such simple tasks as shoveling the driveway and walking the dog in cold air can bring on symptoms," Bogin said. According to Bogin, people with asthma should follow these tips when exercising in the winter: -- Always wear a scarf over the mouth and nose to warm the air before you breathe in -- Take all medications as prescribed, even if you feel fine -- Warm up before exercising -- If possible, try to exercise indoors during extremely cold weather -- When exercising indoors, be sure that the exercise area is properly humidified and ventilated -- Ask your doctor about taking your medication before you exercise E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version