The cold season comes with a lot of illnesses and infections that affect many people.

Asthma is one of the many chronic non-communicable diseases that one may get during this season

This is a condition in which a person’s airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus.

Inhaling cold, dry air can cause the airways to tighten, making it harder to breathe.

Here is how to take care of yourself from an asthma attack

Stay warm all season by putting on warm coats and gloves, and exercising indoors.

Keeping your mouth and nose shielded with a scarf or a mask to warm the air before you breathe it in especially when you are outdoors.

Some people may not know that they are asthmatic, especially during this season, therefore some signs may be unfamiliar to them.

These are some of the signs and symptoms that one needs to know

According to St John Ambulance, a person experiencing difficulties in speaking may lead to short sentences and whispering.

During prolonged attacks, one may experience features of hypoxia such as a grey-blue tinge to the lips, earlobes, and nailbeds.

In some circumstances if the attack worsens the person may stop breathing and become unresponsive.

Other signs include difficulty in breathing, wheezing, coughing continuously, exhaustion in severe attacks, distress, and anxiety

What should one do to an asthmatic person during an attack?

Sitting the casualty down in the position they find most comfortable, reaching out for their reliever inhaler or borrowing one if you cannot find theirs,

Help the casualty get two puffs from the inhaler every minute to about ten puffs, and ask the casualty to try and maintain slow breathing.

St John Ambulance urges people that when the symptoms persist they should call an ambulance immediately.

According to the World Health Organisation, the condition is a major non-communicable disease affecting both children and adults and is the most common chronic disease among children.

WHO also states that Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

“Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated. People with under-treated asthma can suffer sleep disturbance, tiredness during the day and poor concentration,” WHO cautions.