Asthma triggered by cold
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Asthma Triggered by Cold: Insights from Recent Research
Cold Weather and Asthma Exacerbations
Cold Air and Respiratory Responses
Exposure to cold air can significantly impact respiratory health, particularly in individuals with asthma. Cold air causes pulmonary vasoconstriction, which can lead to conditions such as "Raynaud's phenomenon of the lung" and acute pulmonary edema in susceptible individuals1. In asthmatic subjects, hyperventilation of cold, dry air can trigger asthma attacks due to the cooling of central airways, which induces bronchial obstruction1. This phenomenon is supported by evidence that cold weather increases respiratory symptoms and functional disability, especially among patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis6.
Common Cold as a Trigger
The common cold, predominantly caused by rhinovirus, is a frequent trigger of asthma exacerbations. Rhinovirus infections lead to airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and increased asthma symptoms4 7. Studies have shown that during a rhinovirus infection, there is an increase in histamine responsiveness and a significant infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the bronchial mucosa, which correlates with increased airway reactivity and asthma exacerbations7 9.
Viral Infections and Asthma
Respiratory viral infections, particularly those caused by rhinovirus, are the most important triggers of asthma exacerbations. These infections create a Th2-biased inflammatory environment and are associated with specific risk genes in individuals predisposed to asthma8. The common cold virus potentiates airway inflammation after antigen exposure, leading to enhanced allergic responses and increased bronchial inflammation in asthmatic individuals9.
Cold Weather-Related Functional Disability
Individuals with asthma and allergic rhinitis are more susceptible to cold weather-related functional disability and exacerbation of health problems. A population-based study found that the prevalence of cold-related functional disability and exacerbation of health problems was significantly higher in individuals with asthma and allergic rhinitis compared to those without these conditions6. This increased susceptibility is due to the cold weather's effect on the respiratory epithelium, which induces bronchial hyperresponsiveness6.
Asthma Control and Cold Weather Symptoms
The severity and control of asthma play a crucial role in the prevalence of cold weather-related respiratory symptoms. A study conducted in northern Finland found that individuals with more severe and poorly controlled asthma experienced a higher prevalence of cold weather-related symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath compared to those with mild, controlled asthma10. This trend highlights the importance of effective asthma management to mitigate the impact of cold weather on respiratory health.
Conclusion
Cold weather and viral infections, particularly the common cold, are significant triggers of asthma exacerbations. The physiological responses to cold air, combined with the inflammatory effects of viral infections, contribute to increased asthma symptoms and functional disability in affected individuals. Effective asthma management and preventive measures, such as wearing a scarf over the mouth and nose during cold weather, are essential to reduce the risk of asthma attacks triggered by cold air. Understanding the interplay between cold weather, viral infections, and asthma can help in developing better strategies for managing and preventing asthma exacerbations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cold and the Airways
Exposure to cold climates triggers various respiratory responses, with mucosal vessels playing a key role in thermal balance and hyperventilation-induced asthma being triggered by thermal stimuli.
A case-control study of the role of cold symptoms and other historical triggering factors in asthma exacerbations.
Symptomatic colds are the most common trigger of asthma exacerbations in winter and spring, with dust exposure also being a significant trigger.
Observational StudyThe common cold and asthma
Common cold viruses can trigger asthma exacerbations and contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic lung diseases.
Literature ReviewThe common cold as a trigger of asthma.
Common colds are a significant cause of asthma exacerbations in children and adults, with the rhinovirus infection causing airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and asthma symptoms.
Asthma and the Weather
Is there any connection with weather and asthma? The answer is yes, much more than you think. For example, a person with asthma can tell you that the sudden change from breathing warm indoor air to breathing cold air (dry or humid) can trigger an asthma attack. So, during winter, it is a good idea for anyone whose asthma symptoms are triggered by cold air to wear a scarf over the mouth and nose to warm the air they breathe. But there is more to the weather than a cold spell.
Cold weather increases respiratory symptoms and functional disability especially among patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis
Individuals with allergic rhinitis or asthma are more susceptible to cold weather-related functional disability and health problems compared to those without respiratory diseases.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalLower airways inflammation during rhinovirus colds in normal and in asthmatic subjects.
Rhinoviral colds cause bronchial mucosal inflammation, potentially contributing to changes in airway responsiveness and asthma exacerbations.
Non-RCT
Highly CitedRole of viruses in asthma
Rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus are key triggers of asthma exacerbations, with treatments like corticosteroids and omalizumab effectively decreasing inflammation and improving asthma symptoms.
Highly CitedA common cold virus, rhinovirus 16, potentiates airway inflammation after segmental antigen bronchoprovocation in allergic subjects.
Rhinovirus colds increase asthma in allergic individuals by enhancing airway allergic responses after local antigen challenge.
Non-RCTHighly CitedSubtypes of Asthma and Cold Weather-Related Respiratory Symptoms
Severe and poorly controlled asthma is associated with increased cold weather-related respiratory symptoms, particularly for wheezing and chest pain, in both women and men.
Observational StudyRigorous Journal