Tips to deal with asthma in cold weather - WFXL FOX 31

As temperatures are expected to get below freezing on Wednesday night, Tift Regional Health System wants to make sure everyone is staying warm.

Photo: Kailey McCarthy

As temperatures are expected to get below freezing Wednesday night, the Tift Regional Health System wants to make sure everyone is staying warm.

Chief Transformation Officer M.D. Cameron Nixon says when temperatures dip, you have to be extremely cautious, especially if you have asthma.

According to Nixon, the cold weather can cause an asthma attack.

The cold air triggers mucus production and can make it harder to keep the airway open.

Nixon recommends asthma patients take their medication, limit their time outdoors and wear multiple layers of clothing.

He adds staying weather-aware and dressing appropriately is key.

"We're not accustomed to this colder weather, so we need to take it serious and be prepared because typically, what I hear from most of our patients, is that we don't have winter wear," said Nixon.

Nixon adds that hypothermia and frostbite can also be a concern in cold weather.

Some symptoms of frostbite include numbness in the fingers, toes, ears and nose.

If you think that you have frostbite, it's imperative that you get inside to a warm area immediately.

http://bit.ly/2sUGcDd