Winter and your lungs: asthma and air pollution precautions

Cold weather and polluted air can irritate the lungs and set off coughing, wheezing and breathlessness, especially in children, older people and those with asthma or heart disease.

Check the air quality index in your area. On poor days, limit outdoor exercise, especially in the morning when pollution can be trapped near the ground, and close windows during peak traffic hours.

A well-fitted N95 or FFP2 mask can reduce your exposure to fine particles outdoors. Ordinary cloth masks do much less. Avoid burning waste, and keep indoor spaces dust-free.

If you have asthma, keep your reliever inhaler with you and follow your doctor's action plan. Do not stop preventer medicines because you feel well.

See a doctor if you have a cough lasting more than two weeks, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness at rest.

General information, not medical advice. Please see a doctor for any health concern.