10/29/2025
Weather can have a big impact on asthma symptoms, and different conditions affect people in different ways. Here’s a breakdown of how various weather factors can affect asthma:
🌡️ Cold Air
Effect: Cold, dry air can irritate the airways and trigger bronchospasms, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Tip: Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when outside in cold weather to warm the air before you breathe it in.
🔥 Hot & Humid Weather
Effect: Heat and humidity can make the air feel heavier and harder to breathe. It can also increase exposure to allergens like mold and pollen.
Tip: Stay indoors during peak heat and use air conditioning with a clean filter if possible.
🌧️ Rainy or Stormy Weather
Effect: Storms can stir up mold spores and pollen, which can worsen asthma. Thunderstorms can also cause a phenomenon known as “thunderstorm asthma.”
Tip: Stay indoors during and right after storms, especially during pollen season.
🍃 Windy Days
Effect: Wind can spread pollen and other airborne irritants, which can aggravate asthma.
Tip: Keep windows closed and monitor air quality reports.
🌬️ Sudden Weather Changes
Effect: Rapid changes in temperature and barometric pressure can stress the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks.
Tip: Be prepared with your medication and track local weather forecasts.
🌫️ Poor Air Quality / Pollution
Effect: Smog, smoke, and other pollutants are major asthma triggers, and air quality often worsens with heat.
Tip: Check daily air quality indexes (AQI) and limit outdoor activity when levels are high.