According to the American Lung Association, cold weather can be troublesome for people with asthma, bronchitis, COPD and other respiratory infection or illness. If you have any of these conditions, the cold, dry air can irritate your airways and cause coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and shortness of breath.

The fluid that lines our airways evaporates faster than normal when we inhale dry air. In some cases, it is not quickly replaced, thus causing throat irritation and swelling. Mucus, the protective layer of the throat, also increases in cold weather, and it can be thicker than normal. As a result, it can cause blockages in the respiratory system and increase your chance of catching a cold or other respiratory infection.

You can help prevent respiratory ailments and stay healthy with planning and practicing the habits below.

• Take all of your medications as prescribed and keep quick-relief or portable medications with you.
• Prevent the spread of germs by washing hands when necessary.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to warm the air before it enters your lungs when you are outdoors in the cold. Breathe through your nose and out your mouth because constant mouth inhalation can bring the cold air straight to your lungs.
• Avoid outdoor exercise in severe cold weather. People tend to inhale through their mouth during intense exercise as their heart rate increases. This can cause irritation and swelling.
• Get your flu shot since cold and flu season comes with cold weather.
• Avoid being around people with colds and flu if you have a chronic lung disease.
• Warm up with a blanket or alternate heat source instead of sitting in front of a wood-burning fireplace. Fumes and smoke from fireplaces can irritate people with allergies or lung disease.
• Monitor air quality forecasts for air pollution, which can be high in certain areas during the winter. Those with asthma and other lung diseases are more vulnerable to being harmed by air pollution.
• In case of emergency, inform others of your planned activities and whereabouts.

Carmichael’s Cashway Retail Pharmacy in Crowley, Louisiana has several convenient ways for you to fill medications to treat respiratory disease and infection. Our pharmacists will work closely with your prescribing doctor to help ensure proper management and treatment of your asthma condition.

Carmichael’s locations in Crowley, Lafayette and Lake Charles, Louisiana offer a variety of home medical equipment and services for treatment of COPD and severe and pulmonary diseases. Our representatives also coordinate the prescribed therapy with the patient’s physician and train the patient and caregiver in the correct usage of the equipment. Contact a Carmichael’s representative to discuss any respiratory therapy equipment products and supplies needs or to request additional information.