For those with asthma, the winter weather can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and a tight chest, according to doctors.

The cold weather can bring on these symptoms of an asthma attack, making it even more difficult for those who have the disease. 

The parents of 4-year-old Jace Blackman, who gets his asthma treatment at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, says the cold weather is a trigger for their son.

Along with medication, Jace's parents make sure he is always warm in the winter.

“When they breathe in, there is an inflammation that starts to take place, making it more difficult for them to breathe and then the lungs start to spasm; this spasm is what asthma actually is,bronchial spasms,” says Associate Respiratory Therapist Benita Joseph.

Health experts advise those who have asthma to always get the flu shot, have inhalers and follow up with doctors.

Along with the cold weather, Joseph says dairy products can also irritate the lungs.

“Milk, dairy has a tendency to produce more mucus, increase to more fluids. Orange juice…drink that and stay well hydrated,” says Joseph.