Relationship between cold weather and asthma attacks
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Cold Weather and Asthma Attacks: Evidence of a Strong Relationship
Cold Spells and Increased Asthma Attacks
Multiple studies show a clear link between cold weather and a higher risk of asthma attacks. Research from China and Finland found that cold spells—periods of unusually low temperatures—are associated with increased hospital admissions for asthma, especially among children and younger adults. The risk is higher when cold spells last several days, and the effect can persist for up to several weeks after the cold event 1356+1 MORE. In particular, a study in Hefei, China, found that boys and school-age children are especially vulnerable during prolonged cold spells . Similarly, in Beijing, younger people under 65 were more sensitive to cold spells, with a significant increase in asthma hospitalizations during these periods .
Cold Exposure and Asthma: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from 1965 to 2015 confirmed that cold exposure is associated with a higher risk of asthma attacks. The analysis found that people exposed to cold environments had about twice the odds of experiencing asthma compared to those not exposed to cold, with experimental studies showing an even stronger effect . This supports the idea that cold weather is a significant trigger for asthma exacerbations.
Cold Weather and New Onset Asthma
Not only does cold weather worsen existing asthma, but it may also increase the risk of developing new asthma cases. A study in Finland found that colder-than-normal winters increased the risk of new asthma diagnoses in the following one to two years, with each 1°C drop in average winter temperature raising the risk by 7% .
Asthma Control, Severity, and Cold Weather Symptoms
People with poorly controlled or more severe asthma experience more cold weather-related respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, phlegm, and chest pain. This trend is seen in both men and women, and is especially pronounced in those with uncontrolled or severe asthma 710. Young adults with asthma, particularly those who also have allergic rhinitis, are much more likely to report cold-related symptoms than healthy individuals .
Meteorological Factors and Asthma Exacerbations
Studies in different regions, including Shanghai and Taiwan, show that lower daily mean temperatures are linked to higher rates of asthma hospital admissions and emergency room visits. The effect of cold temperatures is more acute and can last for several weeks, while warmer temperatures do not show the same association 58. Other weather factors, such as dampness and low wind, may also contribute to asthma attacks, possibly by increasing exposure to indoor allergens or air pollutants during cold periods .
Conclusion
The evidence strongly supports a relationship between cold weather and increased asthma attacks. Cold spells and low temperatures not only trigger more frequent and severe asthma symptoms but may also contribute to the development of new asthma cases. The risk is especially high for children, young adults, and those with poorly controlled or severe asthma. Public health measures should focus on protecting these vulnerable groups during cold weather to reduce asthma-related health problems 1356+4 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Association between cold spells and childhood asthma in Hefei, an analysis based on different definitions and characteristics.
Cold spells are associated with childhood asthma, with boys and school-aged children being more vulnerable, and longer cold spells having greater impact on later days.
Association Between Cold Exposure and Asthma: Systematic Review and meta-analysis, 1965-2015
Cold exposure is associated with an increased risk of asthma, suggesting a need for further exploration of traditional medicine's potential benefits on respiratory diseases.
DOI