Warning signs of lung damage due to inhaling cold air

Inhaling cold air can affect the respiratory system in several ways, such as narrowing the bronchial tubes, irritating the trachea, and causing various other reactions in the body, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Wearing a face mask or scarf to cover your nose and mouth can help reduce chest tightness caused by inhaling cold air.

Several factors contribute to respiratory pain when inhaling cold air. The first is that cold, dry air irritates the trachea. This irritation leads to pain and discomfort. This can affect not only people with lung problems but also healthy individuals, especially during strenuous outdoor exercise in cold weather.

People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will have difficulty participating in outdoor activities when temperatures drop. This is because their airways are often inflamed. Cold, dry air will worsen the inflammation, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or a burning sensation in the chest.

Normally, air entering the lungs is warmed and humidified. However, this function of the lungs cannot be performed effectively when breathing air that is too cold and dry. In this case, the mucous membranes in the throat and lungs dry out, causing discomfort and pain.

This condition can occur in both healthy individuals and those with respiratory illnesses. In severe cases, the airways from the throat to the lungs can become excessively dry, leading to damage and bleeding.

To reduce lung pain caused by cold air, experts recommend wearing warm clothing when going outdoors, and covering your nose and mouth with a mask and scarf. When breathing, try to breathe through your nose to allow the air to warm up better instead of breathing through your mouth.

People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should consult their doctor before participating in any outdoor activities. A doctor may prescribe certain types of inhalers to prevent or reduce the effects of cold, dry air, according to Healthline.

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