Thank you for your question regarding the effects of stress and climate on control of asthma in children. Weather changes and stress are also common triggers of asthma in some children, but somewhat less commonly than colds and allergen exposures. Weather changes triggers asthma most commonly in patients whose asthma in not under good control. The most common aggravating component of weather in this regard is exposure to cold air, especially during the winter. Many people will cover their mouth and nose with a scarf during the winter in an effort to warm the inhaled air.
People also have difficulty with exposure to hot and humid conditions.
Hot and humid environments pose an additional problem. Because these environments encourage the growth of dust mites and molds, those that are sensitive to these allergens may have trouble when exposed. Finally, high altitude can pose additional problems. Even patients who are in good health frequently report breathlessness when coming up to higher altitude. Many patients with asthma who come to high altitude experience temporatory worsening in asthma symptoms, especially at night.