With winter on the way, you’re probably taking steps to prepare your vehicle and your home for the cold and snowy months ahead. You should also start thinking about taking precautions to safeguard your lung health. Cold weather can worsen symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Here’s what to know so you can keep symptoms under control this season.

Cold Weather Worsens Flare-Ups

“People with COPD are at an increased risk for flare-ups and suddenly worsening symptoms during the winter,” said Allison Lipely, MSEP, TTS, exercise physiologist, Aultman Pulmonary Rehab. “Winter air is usually cold and dry, which can irritate your airways and make it difficult to breathe.”

Plus, the cold-weather months are peak season for the flu and other respiratory viruses. “These illnesses are a major cause of flare-ups,” Lipely said.

Recognizing the signs of respiratory distress is especially important when you’re living with COPD. Common warning signs of a flare-up include:

• Breathlessness

• Increased or decreased sputum (also known as phlegm)

• Increased coughing

• Change in sputum color

For more information on respiratory distress, check out these telltale signs.

Seek treatment right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Untreated flare-ups can become very serious and even interfere with your lung function.

Tips to Help You Breathe Easier

To lower your risk for problems related to winter weather:

• Watch the local forecast and avoid going out on the coldest days if possible.

• Keep an eye on the air quality index—air pollution can be high in winter due to an increase in wood burning. You can check the daily air quality at https://airnow.gov.

• Bundle up if you need to go out. Wear a face mask or wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth to help humidify the air you breathe in.

• Always bring medications with you when you head outdoors.

• Take steps to lower your risk of catching the cold and flu. Get a flu shot if you haven’t already. Avoid crowds during winter months. Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid getting cozy by the fireplace. While this may seem like a great way to snuggle up and get warm, the smoke and particles can irritate your lungs. Opt for a warm blanket instead.

Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms of a flare-up keep getting worse or if you develop a fever.

If you need help managing your symptoms – in any weather, hot, cold or otherwise – you might benefit from medically supervised pulmonary rehabilitation.

For more information about Aultman’s pulmonary rehab program, visit aultman.org.

Sources:
Aultman Health System
The StayWell Company, LLC