Dr Andrew Whittamore
Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK
If you have a lung condition, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis, your risk of ending up in A&E doubles during winter 1.
Cold weather and viruses can make symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing and coughing worse by causing irritation and the airways to narrow, and can increase mucus production. However, there are measures to protect yourself, says Dr Andrew Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK.
Protect your lungs this winter
To help protect your lungs in cold weather, try breathing in through your nose when outside to warm up the air or wearing a mask or loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth if it’s comfortable. Wearing thermal underwear or layers of thinner clothing instead of one thick layer can keep you warmer too.
Indoors, heat your home to at least 18 degrees, use blankets and hot water bottles to stay warm, close bedroom windows at night and use draft excluders or blockers to try and reduce the amount of cold air. It’s also a good idea to have regular hot drinks and stay inside if it’s too cold or windy.
To protect against viruses like colds, flu, pneumonia and Covid, avoid being around people you know are unwell. Stay away from crowded indoor places and wash your hands regularly. If you do get sick, keep an eye on your symptoms, and if they get worse, make an urgent appointment to see your GP or specialist.
The best way to boost virus protection is to have your winter vaccines if you’re eligible
Prevention can boost virus protection
The best way to boost virus protection is to have your winter vaccines if you’re eligible, which include flu and pneumonia vaccines. Flu can be a serious illness, especially if you’re living with a lung condition, and the vaccine reduces your risk of hospital admission.
The pneumonia vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal infections and is recommended if you have certain lung conditions. You should also be offered one if you’re over 65.
However, most importantly, whatever your winter triggers may be, use your preventer inhaler as prescribed and carry your reliever inhaler wherever you go, and make an urgent appointment to see your GP, specialist or asthma nurse if your symptoms are getting worse.
[1] In 2022/23, there were 332,396 emergency respiratory admissions in winter (December-March) which was 2.1x of the 156,106 emergency respiratory admissions in summer (June-August) in England (NHS England monthly hospital admissions request).
Asthma + Lung UK has a free Winter Wellness Guide to help people stay well this winter.
Sign up here: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/withyouthiswinter
