Have COPD? Follow these tips for a COPD-friendly winter.

Even in the South, we take extra precautions in the winter. We cover our plants on really cold nights. We drip our pipes and faucets. 

And as we face the coldest days of winter, you should also take precautions to protect your lung health, especially if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cold weather can worsen symptoms of COPD.

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease covers a spectrum of diseases encompassing emphysema and chronic bronchitis,” says Dr. Ryan Moody, pulmonologist with Southeast Lung Associates and President of St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Staff. “COPD is a chronically progressing disease process characterized by progressive airflow limitation. It is a treatable and preventable disease process.”

Related Article: What is COPD?

COPD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Symptoms of COPD can vary depending on which end of the spectrum a patient falls.

“Individuals with chronic bronchitis experience chronic productive cough and shortness of breath, while those with emphysema may only experience shortness of breath,” Dr. Moody says. “From time to time, individuals with COPD will experience an exacerbation with symptoms of increased mucus production, worsening cough and worsening shortness of breath.”

And we know the cold weather doesn’t help that. To help keep symptoms under control this winter, here’s what you need to know.

Cold weather worsens flare-ups

People with COPD are at an increased risk for flare-ups – suddenly worsening symptoms – during the winter. 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. Common warning signs of a flare-up include:

• Breathlessness
• Increased or decreased sputum (also known as phlegm)
• Increased coughing
• Change in sputum color

Why is flare-up prevention so important? Because untreated, they can become very serious and even interfere with your lung function.

Tips to help you breathe easier

To lower your risk for winter weather-related problems, follow these tips:

• 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.
• If you do need to go out, bundle up. Wear a face mask or wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth to 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 as much as possible, and wash your hands often and 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. Grab a warm blanket instead.
• If symptoms of flare-up keep getting worse or if you develop a fever, call your healthcare provider right away.