Cold Weather Respiratory Health Tips for Asthma Patients on Biologic Therapy

What to Know

• Cold weather, seasonal infections, and holiday stress can increase lupus flare frequency and severity.
• Staying active, managing stress, and protecting your immune system help stabilize symptoms.
• Medication adherence and regular monitoring are essential during winter, when flares are more common.
• In-office biologic therapy can help reduce inflammation and prevent disease progression.

Why Lupus Symptoms Often Worsen During Winter

Winter introduces environmental and lifestyle stressors that make lupus symptoms harder to manage.

Cold temperatures tighten blood vessels, increasing joint stiffness, fatigue, and Raynaud’s symptoms. Seasonal viruses are more common and can activate the immune system. Holiday stress, disrupted sleep, and changes in routine may also amplify inflammation.

Because of these factors, many patients notice more frequent flares in winter. Recognizing the seasonal pattern makes it easier to take preventive steps and work with your care team before symptoms escalate.

Cold Weather and Lupus: How Temperature Affects Your Body

Cold, dry air can intensify several lupus-related symptoms:

Joint and Muscle Pain

Lower temperatures can increase inflammation in joints and connective tissues, making movement more difficult.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Cold exposure causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict, leading to:

• Numbness
• Skin color changes
• Burning or tingling sensations

Skin Sensitivity

Dry indoor air may irritate skin already sensitive due to cutaneous lupus or medications.

What Helps Control Symptoms

• Wear layers, gloves, and warm socks outdoors.
• Use a humidifier to reduce skin dryness and airway irritation.
• Warm up gradually after being outside; sudden temperature shifts can trigger Raynaud’s episodes.

Preventing Seasonal Infections That Can Trigger Flares

Winter brings higher exposure to respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV. Infections can provoke lupus flares, so preventive habits matter.

Protective Habits to Reduce Your Risk

• Wash hands often and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Stay up to date with vaccinations recommended by your physician.
• Prioritize sleep to support immune resilience.
• Maintain balanced meals with adequate protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.

Medication Adherence Makes All the Difference

Consistent medication routines are one of the best protections against winter flares.

Skipping doses, especially during busy holiday weeks, can increase inflammation and reduce treatment effectiveness.

To ensure you never skip a dose, set reminders, use weekly organizers, and contact your care team if side effects or scheduling challenges arise.

Winter Self-Management and Stress Reduction Strategies

Cold weather, heavier schedules, and disrupted routines can increase stress levels, leading to fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and overall inflammation.

Practical Ways to Protect Your Health

• Prioritize rest: Plan downtime before and after travel or gatherings.
• Set boundaries: Limit activities that drain your energy or increase stress.
• Use daily stress-reduction techniques: Breathing exercises, stretching, meditation, and journaling help regulate cortisol.
• Stay active: Gentle movement like walking, mobility exercises, and low-impact workouts support joint health and mood.
• Hydrate consistently: Travel and holiday meals often increase dehydration.
• Protect your skin: Moisturize regularly and avoid abrupt temperature changes.
• Monitor early signs: Track changes in pain, swelling, rashes, or fatigue and notify your provider promptly.
• Keep appointments: Do not delay labs, follow-ups, or in-office infusion therapy sessions.

How Biologic Therapy Helps Stabilize Lupus During Winter

Biologic therapy plays a vital role in reducing disease activity and preventing seasonal flares. By targeting specific immune pathways, biologics can:

• Reduce flare frequency
• Improve joint pain and skin symptoms
• Lower long-term organ damage risk
• Support a better quality of life during winter’s high-inflammation months

Biologics help maintain stable disease activity even when seasonal triggers are at their peak. And receiving treatment in an in-office biologic infusion suite ensures trained clinical monitoring, consistent dosing, and a controlled environment.

Altus Biologics supports lupus patients nationwide by providing safe, reliable in-office infusion therapy and continuous monitoring throughout the winter months.

FAQ

1. Why do lupus flares happen more often in winter?

Cold temperatures, seasonal infections, and holiday stress activate inflammatory pathways that worsen lupus symptoms. Reduced activity levels and irregular sleep during winter can also contribute.

2. How can I prevent Raynaud’s symptoms in cold weather?

Dress in layers, wear insulated gloves and socks, avoid sudden temperature changes, and warm your hands and feet gradually. Some patients benefit from medications that improve circulation.

3. Do I need to adjust my lupus medications during winter?

Continue taking all medications as prescribed. Never change doses without talking to your healthcare provider. Flares are more common when medication routines are disrupted.

4. Can biologic therapy help reduce winter lupus flares?

Yes. Biologic therapy reduces immune activity and helps stabilize symptoms year-round.

5. When should I call my doctor about worsening lupus symptoms?

Contact your doctor if you experience new or rapidly worsening joint pain, severe fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, or symptoms lasting more than a few days.