Updated on October 5, 2023.
For many people with COPD, winter is a challenge. Not only can dry, frigid air put stress on your airways, but seasonal colds and flu are often harder on those with lung problems. You may find yourself coughing, wheezing, or struggling to catch your breath. You might even experience a dangerous COPD flare-up, which occurs when your symptoms become especially bad.
Don’t let the change of season leave you out in the cold. When the temperature drops, keep these tips in mind.
Avoid illness as best you can
Protect yourself from getting sick by regularly washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. Steer clear of crowds along with friends and loved ones you know to be sick. Try not to touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, since germs travel easily on hands. Most importantly, get your yearly flu shot, and ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about a pneumococcal vaccine and the most recent COVID-19 shot or booster for your age group.
Keep warm indoors and out
When you’re home, adjust the thermostat to at least 64 degrees F. You may want to keep the living room a little warmer. At night, wear cozy pajamas, consider a heated blanket, and close your window to keep cold air out. Don’t be tempted by your fireplace, either, since smoke can irritate lungs.
Venturing outside? Bundle up in multiple layers, which retain heat but allow for adjustment as the temperature changes. On especially cold days, wear something over your nose and mouth, like a scarf, to protect your airways. Inhaling through your nose and exhaling out of your mouth can help take the chill out of the air, too.
Be prepared
Each day, check the weather forecast and air quality index (on airnow.gov) to monitor for cold snaps, snowfall, or high levels of pollution. Make sure you have enough medication on hand for storms when the pharmacy might be closed. Speak with your HCP, too, about a plan for COPD flares or emergencies during harsh weather.
Stick to a healthy lifestyle
It can be more difficult in winter to eat fresh produce and to exercise outdoors when resources and activities are naturally limited. Despite the weather, you can still:
- Quit smoking if you haven’t already. Even after a diagnosis of COPD, it’s the single best thing patients can do for their health.
- Move around. Be as active as you can, even if you can’t get outside as much as you would like. Speak with an HCP for indoor activity recommendations.
- Take your prescriptions. Don’t skip or stop your regular meds, even if you feel fine.
Whatever the season, reach out to your HCP right away if you have unusual or worsening symptoms, such as wheezing, problems catching your breath, or a cough producing darker, thicker, or excess mucus. The faster you speak up, the faster you can be treated.
