As the crisp fall air turns to the chilly temperatures of winter, managing asthma and other respiratory conditions becomes increasingly important, especially for those living in rural areas who spend significant time outdoors. At Helen Newberry Joy Hospital & Healthcare Center (HNJH), our allergy and asthma specialists, respiratory doctors, and dedicated care teams are committed to helping you breathe easier year-round.
Why Cold Weather Affects Your Breathing
Cold air can trigger bronchospasms and worsen asthma symptoms. For individuals working outside in logging, farming, or other outdoor jobs, exposure to cold air, dust, or allergens can increase the risk of chronic disease flare-ups.
Common warning signs include shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent coughing, and chest tightness. Older adults may be more prone to breathing issues such as:
- Asthma: Chronic inflammation of the airways causing wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis; symptoms worsen in cold air.
- Allergic Rhinitis or Seasonal Allergies: Can exacerbate asthma and cause congestion and coughing.
- Sleep Apnea or Breathing Interruptions: Cold, dry air can make nighttime breathing more difficult.
- Respiratory Infections: Older adults and those with underlying lung conditions are more vulnerable to colds, flu, and pneumonia.
Understanding these risks is especially important in the Upper Peninsula, where winters are long and outdoor work is common.
Tips for Protecting Your Lungs in Cold Weather
- Dress Smart: Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to warm incoming air.
- Use Preventive Medications: Follow your asthma action plan and take prescribed inhalers.
- Monitor Air Quality: Outdoor dust, pollen, and other allergens can worsen symptoms even in the colder months.
- Stay Active Safely: Short, moderate exercises help maintain lung function. Warm up indoors before venturing outside.
- Humidify Indoor Air: Dry indoor air can irritate airways. Using a humidifier can ease breathing.
- Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Minimize rapid transitions from warm indoors to cold outdoors to reduce triggers.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3s may help support lung health.
- Know Your Triggers: Keep a symptom diary to identify what worsens your asthma in cold weather and adjust activities accordingly.
- Stay Up to Date on Vaccines: Annual flu shots and pneumonia vaccines can prevent respiratory complications.
- Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
- Emergency Plan: Have an asthma action plan in place, including recognizing early signs of an asthma attack and knowing when to seek emergency medical help.
- Seek Early Care: Don’t wait until symptoms worsen, early intervention can prevent serious complications.
How HNJH Can Help
At HNJH, our allergy and asthma specialist offers comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of our community. Services include:
- Diagnosis and treatment of asthma, COPD, and other common respiratory conditions
- Guidance on managing chronic disease in rural settings
- Access to our family health clinic and community health clinic for preventive care and follow-ups
- Coordination with local resources to ensure ongoing support
Our team works closely with patients to create individualized care plans, making it easier to manage symptoms even during the coldest months. For specialized support, our Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine providers offer expert evaluation and treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.
Pulmonology & Sleep Providers
Focus on specialized care for breathing and sleep disorders, helping patients manage asthma, COPD, and related conditions.
- Carol Norman, NP – Pulmonology/Sleep
- Dr. Jeffrey Washington, MD – Pulmonology/Sleep
Primary Care Providers
Coordinate your overall healthcare, manage chronic conditions, and provide referrals to specialists when needed.
- Patricia Gill, MD – Internal Medicine
- Brook Dake, FNP-C – Family Practice
- Robert Duke, FNP – Family Practice
- Joe Jankowski, PA-C – Family Practice
- Jonathan Webb, DO – Family Physician
Community Clinics
Offer convenient access to preventive and follow-up care, connecting residents to primary care and specialty services in their local communities.
- Gibson Family Health Clinic – Newberry
- Manistique Lakes Family Clinic – Curtis
- West Mackinac Health Clinic – Engadine
- Eckerman Health Clinic – Eckerman
These providers collaborate to offer comprehensive care, guaranteeing patients receive timely and effective treatment for respiratory conditions.
Don’t Wait to Breathe Easier
If you or a loved one experiences worsening asthma or respiratory symptoms, it’s important to seek care promptly. HNJH is here to support your health and wellness, whether through our respiratory doctors, allergy and asthma specialists, or chronic disease management programs.
Schedule an appointment today at one of our family health clinics or with a specialist and take proactive steps toward healthier lungs this season.
Our specialists can also be reached at:
