Patients who are suffering from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) find winters unbearable. As the weather starts to grow colder, symptoms of the illness exacerbate. Extreme cold temperatures make breathing harder, especially for those with respiratory conditions. It narrows the airways, increases mucus production, leads to coughing, and more. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it is also dangerous. COPD can progress to life-threatening complications if not addressed.
At present, the American Lung Association says that more than 16.4 million people across the United States have been diagnosed with COPD. More, however, likely have the disease but have yet to see a doctor or receive a proper diagnosis. Women, in particular, are more likely to be diagnosed because doctors think of COPD as an illness among men.
There is no cure for COPD. There are effective treatments available to better manage symptoms. Moreover, patients and their loved ones can prevent winter from triggering flare-ups of COPD.
Clean the Indoor Air
Indoor air is not as fresh and clean as you think. While you do not smell smoke or dirt, there is a high chance that you are being exposed to pollutants inside your own home. Daily activities such as cleaning and cooking eject particles into the air that, if inhaled, could cause irritation in the respiratory system. Everyone is at risk of experiencing symptoms from inhaling indoor air pollutants, but most especially those who have COPD.
It is necessary for households where patients who are suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses live to monitor indoor air quality regularly. Many already use air cleaning filters on their furnaces and air conditioning systems to remove allergens. During your annual furnace tune-up, which you should do before or during the early days of winter, ask for the appropriate filter that will remove allergens from the indoor air.
Many households have also started using an air purifier, a device responsible for maintaining good quality indoor air. There are different types of air purifiers currently in the market. Still, the best ones utilize high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 11 to 13. These remove 99 percent of the fine particles found in the air, including certain disease-causing viruses.
Patients should also make it a point to vacuum regularly to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Additionally, avoid using chemical cleaning products that contain ingredients that can trigger symptoms and opt for products that use natural ingredients.
Protected When Going Out
Infections are also a common trigger for flare-ups of COPD. The common cold, the flu, and, nowadays, COVID-19, spread during winter and will exacerbate COPD.
Patients who have chronic respiratory illnesses should make it a habit to avoid crowds to prevent catching disease-causing viruses. If it is not avoidable to mingle with strangers, especially indoors, wear a protective face covering. A scarf over your nose and mouth or a surgical mask will reduce your chances of being infected by a contagious illness.
Get Vaccinated
Better yet, make sure that you are protected from these illnesses from the inside. Arm your immune system with the capability to fight off disease-causing viruses through vaccinations.
According to public health experts, people who have COPD should get the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and annual influenza vaccines to reduce the risk of infections and prevent infections from worsening. Sufferers should also get the jab against COVID-19.
Take Your Workout Indoors
It is difficult to exercise outdoors in the dead of winter, even for people who have no underlying medical conditions. Those who have COPD will find the cold and dry air more unbearable.
Still, it is vital to maintain physical activity during winter. It is bad for sufferers to become sedentary because, according to studies, regular exercise can improve energy levels, cardiovascular fitness, shortness of breath, and, most importantly, the body’s utilization of oxygen.
People with COPD should bring their exercise routines indoors where the temperature can be better regulated. Moreover, make sure to monitor humidity levels. Indoor air can also be dry due to the heating system. A humidifier can inject moisture back into the air. Keep indoor humidity at 30 to 50 percent. Anything higher may cause difficulty breathing and trigger flare-ups of COPD.
COPD is a complicated illness, but it can be managed. Follow your doctor’s advice. Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking. Moreover, it helps to know common triggers so that you can avoid them or prepare yourself to fight symptoms.
Meta title: Managing Symptoms of COPD During Winter
Meta desc: During winter, many people become sick because of the cold weather and more time indoors. Those with underlying conditions, including COPD, are more at risk.
