UK weather: Why does it hurt to breathe cold air?

Experiencing a burning sensation in the lungs is common when temperatures drop

The UK and the US have been struck by Arctic conditions in recent days.

From intense snow flurries in western England, Wales and Scotland to the polar vortex freezing Lake Michigan and even people's hair across the Atlantic, it has been mighty cold indeed.

Any sudden encounter with unfamiliar sub-zero temperatures presents new challenges.

Ordinarily matter-of-fact tasks like getting to work begin to feel like the long hike to Mount Doom, with slushy roads and frozen railway tracks causing havoc the length and breadth of the country.

Even breathing in such cold, dry air can feel oppressive.

The effect can be invigorating but it can also cause you to experience a burning sensation in the lungs.

This happens because the air acts as an irritant, causing the muscles to constrict, a phenomenon known as a bronchospasm that can cause chest pain.

Your lungs are used to drawing in humid air warmed through the mouth and nose and the opposite can cause the airways to become inflammed and prove a shock to the system.

Having a pre-existing respiratory condition like asthma or bronchitis can make matters worse, given that they train the muscles to overreact in response to perceived threats like pollen, dust mites or unusually cold air.

The sensation is rarely cause for alarm and any discomfort can be mitigated by inhaling through your nose or wrapping a warm scarf around the lower part of your face. Your body will adjust and the air humidify en route to the lungs.

Anyone planning to exercise in the current conditions (good luck with that) are advised to ensure they are properly warmed up and to wear appropriate clothing.