LOS ANGELES, California, October 30, 2026 — Each year as the temperature drops, doctors report an increase in cases of coughs, colds, and other respiratory illnesses. The combination of cold, dry outdoor air and increased indoor exposure makes individuals more susceptible to developing respiratory problems. Doctors state that there are several simple steps that can be taken to lower the likelihood of experiencing these problems throughout the coming winter season.
Why Cold Weather Affects the Lungs
The air around us tends to get colder as winter approaches. Cold air tends to contain less moisture than warm air. Because of this, it is possible for your airways to become irritated by the cold air you breathe. This irritation could cause difficulty with breathing for some individuals. While the nose naturally heats up the air we take in as part of the body’s natural defense system, the body’s ability to heat up the air decreases when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time. For example, if a person spends too much time outside in freezing weather, their nose may not function as well in heating up the air they are breathing in. There is an increased chance of problems occurring during the seasonal transition from fall to winter for those who suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD.
In addition, during cold seasons when humans spend large amounts of time in enclosed spaces with many others, respiratory viruses are able to spread more readily. During warmer months, respiratory droplets typically fall to the floor quickly. However, during colder months, those droplets remain in the air for longer periods. It is this combination of both environmental (physical) and social (behavioral) elements which accounts for most of the annual increase of cases seen by physicians.
Practical Steps for Everyday Protection
When you spend an extended period of time outside in cold weather, doctors advise using a scarf to cover your nose and mouth. This can help warm up the incoming air prior to hitting the sensitive tissues of your airways. Additionally, washing your hands often continues to be one of the easiest and most effective methods for reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses.
In addition to being cold outside, the dry air produced by indoor heating systems can cause problems with breathing during the colder seasons. When the air becomes too dry, it can remove the moisture that is needed to keep our airways moist, which makes us more susceptible to developing respiratory irritations or infections. To prevent this type of problem, many people use humidifiers to help produce adequate moisture within their homes. Humidifying the home will allow individuals who experience seasonal respiratory difficulties to breathe easier than they would if they didn’t have a humidifier in place. According to the American Lung Association, using a humidifier to create a comfortable level of indoor humidity will help make breathing easier for those who suffer from seasonal respiratory discomfort.
Medication and Vaccination Matter
Doctors are emphasizing that proper use of an inhaler is extremely important for patients with asthma or other chronic respiratory problems prior to the onset of the cold season. Incorrect usage of an inhaler will greatly limit its ability to deliver the prescribed drug into the lungs during times that require immediate relief. Physicians advise that patients who experience worsening of their symptoms during the cold months review the proper way to use their inhalers with a qualified health professional.
The use of vaccines is another way to decrease your chance of contracting a serious respiratory infection during the coldest time of year. Your doctor may suggest that you receive the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine if you have an ongoing respiratory condition. In addition to receiving the RSV vaccine, your doctor will likely recommend that you get a seasonal flu shot. Getting both the RSV and seasonal flu vaccines can greatly help protect you from hospitalizations related to respiratory infections.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk
Older adults may have higher risks than other age groups during the colder months of the year because of their diminished ability to regulate body temperature as they grow older. Doctors report that these factors can increase the risk for both hypothermia and respiratory problems when an older person has been exposed to extreme cold for a long time. Caregivers should be encouraged to make frequent contact with older family members during unusually cold weather.
Physicians point out that one habit alone will not eliminate seasonal respiratory risks. However, when you combine several different habits, your risk of developing a serious respiratory illness is reduced. Some examples of how you can lower your risk of getting sick include: wearing layers of clothing; keeping the air inside your home moist; washing your hands frequently; and making sure you are up-to-date with all of your recommended immunizations. Most people will be able to make minor changes to their daily routines today that will help them avoid more serious respiratory issues as winter progresses.
The doctor suggests that you should be aware of air quality warnings during the winter season because cold temperatures will keep pollution closer to the earth’s surface. If you have a history of respiratory illness, it is recommended that you do not spend too much time outside in the cold weather when air quality warnings are issued. You can minimize your risk of being exposed to excessive levels of air pollution by simply checking the weather forecast prior to going out for a walk or run.
During the winter season, doctors emphasize that individuals should not discontinue their exercise routine because frequent physical exercise promotes healthy lung function and enhances one’s immunity. By shifting your workout location inside, or decreasing the intensity of your workouts when temperatures drop significantly, most individuals can continue to engage in physical activities in a safe manner. In combination with the additional precautions mentioned previously, continuing to participate in regular physical activity will complete a reasonable, physician-approved plan for maintaining respiratory wellness throughout the upcoming colder months.
