Content originally from Mid and South Essex ICS
Keeping well in winter if you have a long-term respiratory condition
If you have a long-term respiratory condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma your symptoms may get worse with colder weather during winter.
Cold weather can trigger a flare-up of your symptoms and make you more vulnerable to illnesses. But there are things you can do to look after your lungs this winter.
Please remember, if you do notice your respiratory condition becoming worse, get help as soon as possible because the earlier your symptoms are treated, the quicker you will recover.
How can I keep well this winter?
Staying Warm
Try to keep the rooms you use in the daytime are 21 degrees with your bedroom being 18 degrees.
Drink hot drinks and eat hot meals throughout the day.
Wear warm nightclothes as your body temperature drops when you sleep.
In very cold weather close the window at night as breathing in cold air can increase your risk of lung infections. If you feel too warm a fan can help cool the room a little and help your breathing feel more comfortable.
With rising fuel costs, turning the heating on may be a concern. This link from Asthma and Lung UK has guidance on help with heating costs.
If you go outdoors, ensure you are wearing enough layers to keep warm and check the weather forecast. Breathing in cold air can make you feel more breathless. If able to, try to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth as this will warm the air before it reaches your airways. Otherwise, wearing a scarf loosely in front of your mouth to warm the air before you breathe it in can help. If you go outdoors make sure you take your rescue medication with you in case you need it whilst out and about.
Keeping Well and Active
Keeping active not only keeps you warm by generating body heat but also helps you maintain your strength and muscle mass. Visit our webpage for details about local activities and support to keep active during the colder months.
If it is too cold to exercise outdoors try to do exercise indoors. Asthma and Lung UK and the NHS have exercises you can do indoors and from a chair if your mobility is limited.
Stay active and well
What activities could I do?
Sitting exercises
Supporting your mental health
People with long-term physical health conditions are also more likely to experience mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, which can often be exacerbated during the winter months.
Later on in this email series I will focussing on advice to help support with mental wellbeing, however you can also check out our website which has lots of top tips, self help videos and signposts to community services.
Information to manage your condition during the winter months
You are more prone to becoming unwell with respiratory infections in winter that will cause your symptoms to worsen. Get your flu jab and covid jab (if eligible) this year in order to give yourself the best protection. People with some long-term conditions including COPD and asthma should be eligible for a free flu via your GP or local pharmacy. Visit our winter vaccinations page.
The pneumonia vaccine is a one-off vaccine offered to those over 65 or those with long term respiratory conditions such as COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis. If you are unsure if you have had this check with your GP who should have this on your medical records.
Try and avoid other people who are suffering with coughs and colds. It can be hard when it means not seeing your family and friends but it is important to look after yourself.
Ensure you know what regular medication you should be using and how to use it effectively as this will help prevent flare ups. If you are unsure if you are using your inhaler correctly have a chat to your local pharmacist you can check your technique is correct. You can also see videos on how to use different inhalers on the Asthma + Lung UK website.
Ensure you have a 2-week supply of your regular medications available at home. Check the expiry dates on medication at home to ensure they are in date. If able to register for online GP services and download the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions so you can access this online if you need to.
If you become unwell or get a flare up of your respiratory condition, you may notice:
Feeling more out of breath than usual.
Coughing more than usual.
Coughing up more mucus than normal.
Coughing up mucus which is a different colour or consistency to usual.
Having a fever.
Many flare ups can be managed at home with the appropriate treatment.
If you have a self-management plan or action plan from your GP, pharmacist or respiratory team you can follow this when you get a flare up of your symptoms.
Some people may have medications they take at home if they get a flare up called a rescue pack. If you do have this and start your rescue pack you should call your GP or community COPD team to let them know you have been unwell and needed to start the medication. You should let them know within 2 days of starting so they can advise you on your treatment.
If you don’t have an action plan you can ask your healthcare professional for one and to give you advice on what to do if you become more unwell.
If you have a flare up and you become unwell call your GP. If you can’t speak to your GP that day call 111 for advice. If you become severely unwell with symptoms that are much worse than your normal symptoms you can call 999.
Finally, making lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on improving your health. Smoking reduces the ability of your lungs to deal with flare ups in your respiratory condition. For information on stopping smoking contact our local lifestyle services.
Speak soon
Dr Anna Davey
SWF Health & Social Care Group 