How to manage COPD during winter

How does COPD affect people day-to-day?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD represents a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD includes damage to the small air sacs in the lungs (emphysema) and long-term airway inflammation (chronic bronchitis).

Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP and Clinical Technology Lead at Lloyds Online Doctor, says common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, persistent coughs with phlegm and frequent chest infections.

"Day-to-day, people with COPD are likely to have difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity, and may experience persistent wheezing," he says.

"Whilst occasionally getting out of breath is normal and healthy for many of us, persistently getting breathless from normal tasks such as walking up the stairs or hoovering is a signal that something isn't quite right."

However, Sanghvi explains how, unfortunately, many people with COPD aren't diagnosed until the later stages of the disease, or they're simply not diagnosed at all. That's despite the fact that millions of people live with COPD across the country.

Can COPD get worse during winter, and how?

Sanghvi says COPD can be triggered by extreme forms of weather. This includes the heat and cold.

He explains that in the winter, cold and dry air can cause flare-ups. Temperatures below 3°C are particularly dangerous for people with COPD. This is because, when temperatures drop, your body has to work even harder to keep you warm.

Sanghvi adds: "In the extreme cold, your blood vessels begin to narrow. This restricts blood flow and deprives your heart of oxygen. That means your lungs have to work harder to provide oxygen through the bloodstream. This then adds even more pressure to the long-term symptoms that people with COPD experience."

During winter, people with COPD may notice that their symptoms worsen in response to the weather. It is thought that it is twice as likely for COPD symptoms to worsen during winter than in other seasons. The trigger of winter means that flare-ups are more common.

What are the signs of a COPD flare-up?

Sanghvi says that some flare-ups can be managed at home, but others may need immediate hospital attention.

How can you manage your COPD during the colder months?

Sanghvi recommends covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask when you go out in winter time. This can help to warm the air before it reaches your airways. He also advises staying inside and avoiding strenuous activities where possible. This helps to minimise your exposure to dry air and reduce the chance of a flare-up. However, it is important not to avoid exercise altogether - this can worsen COPD symptoms.

Infections can also trigger flare-ups, so it's important to practise a healthy lifestyle. Wash your hands often and avoid crowded spaces. While you shouldn't isolate yourself during winter, you should be wise about where you go and practise good hygiene to keep germs at bay. This can help you avoid catching any other illnesses, since colds, flu, and pneumonia can all cause exacerbations of COPD.

Where can you find support and medical advice on managing COPD?

You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about your COPD or want medical advice on managing it better. The British Lung Foundation (BLF) also has lots of support and resources for people living with COPD.