Is exercising in the cold bad for your lungs?

When you are exercising in cold temperatures, do you ever wonder if it’s damaging your lungs?

While your nose and cheeks are subject to frostbite, the good news is your lungs are not in danger. The air you breathe reaches body temperature by the time it gets to your lungs. Though, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

“With the inhalation of cold and dry air, it can often irritate your airway even if you have healthy lungs,” says Dr. William Tisol, a thoracic surgeon with Aurora Health Care.

Dr. Tisol shares that people with chronic lung disease should take extra precautions. “If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exercising in the cold may be challenging because your airway is already inflamed. The cold, dry air will irritate the lungs which leads to more inflammation, airway constriction and more mucous production.”

Of course, a healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise – and winter is no exception. Here’s how you can help keep your lungs safe and healthy this winter:

• Breathe through your nose rather than your mouth to help warm and humidify inhaled air.
• Wear a scarf or protective layer over your nose and mouth to help warm and humidify the air you are breathing.
• Dress warm and keep your hands, feet and head covered. Not doing so can make you more susceptible to respiratory infection.
• Keep others informed about your activity plan and where you will be in case of emergency.
• If you have lung disease, pay attention to possible triggers and have quick-relief inhalers on hand or use an inhaler prior to activity.
• In extreme cold, consider exercising in a climate-controlled space, such as a gym or at home.

Be sure to ask your health care provider before you make changes to your exercise routine, especially if you have chronic lung disease.

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