{"id":536354,"date":"2026-01-23T06:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T06:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/536354\/"},"modified":"2026-01-23T06:00:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T06:00:34","slug":"faridabad-pulmonologist-warns-cold-waves-can-trigger-respiratory-issues-even-in-healthy-individuals-shares-precautions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/536354\/","title":{"rendered":"Faridabad pulmonologist warns cold waves can trigger respiratory issues even in healthy individuals; shares precautions"},"content":{"rendered":"

While we love cosy sweaters and hot drinks in winter, the cold air can be tough on our lungs. Even if you\u2019re healthy, biting cold winds and chilly mornings can trigger coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Outdoor workouts<\/a> or long walks in freezing temperatures may feel refreshing, but they can also stress your respiratory system more than you think.<\/p>\n

\"ColdCold waves pose serious risks for asthma and COPD patients, doctor warns. (Freepik)<\/p>\n

Dr Loveleen Mangla, Senior Consultant and Head of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Metro Hospital, Faridabad, shares with HT Lifestyle how cold waves affect the lungs and ways to protect your respiratory health. (Also read: <\/strong>Mumbai dermatologist shares why online hair and skin advice can\u2019t replace real check-up: \u2018AI can assist, doctor decides\u2019 <\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

How cold air affects lungs<\/p>\n

\u201cCold, dry air can cause the airways to constrict reflexively, leading to shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, or wheezing, even in people without asthma<\/a>,\u201d says Dr Mangla. This narrowing of the airways, known as bronchoconstriction, is one of the main reasons people feel discomfort in extreme cold. He adds, \u201cCold air may also dry and irritate the airway lining, triggering inflammation and making the lungs more sensitive and reactive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another effect of cold temperatures is on the body\u2019s defence mechanisms. \u201cCold air can impair the mucociliary clearance system, the tiny hairs in our airways that remove germs and particles, making you more prone to infections like bronchitis or pneumonia,\u201d Dr Mangla explains. \u201cAdditionally, cold air thickens mucus, making it harder to clear, which can cause congestion and a persistent cough,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n

For those exercising outdoors, there\u2019s another risk. \u201cHealthy individuals, especially runners or outdoor workers, may develop asthma-like symptoms in cold weather<\/a>, known as exercise-induced bronchospasm,\u201d says Dr Mangla.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople may experience a persistent or dry cough, chest tightness, breathlessness during exertion, wheezing after cold exposure, or an increased frequency of respiratory infections,\u201d Dr Mangla explains.<\/p>\n

Risks for people with asthma or COPD<\/p>\n

\u201cCold waves can be dangerous for people with asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease<\/a> (COPD), as cold air directly affects the airways and increases the body\u2019s stress,\u201d she warns. \u201cIn COPD, damaged lungs already struggle to exchange oxygen. Cold stress can make breathing harder and may lead to low blood oxygen levels. Extreme cold can also coincide with higher rates of influenza, pneumonia, and bronchitis, which can worsen symptoms and even lead to hospitalisation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who is more vulnerable<\/p>\n