Wintertime issues can affect those with respiratory conditions such bronchial asthma, COPD, ILD, sarcoidosis, and other lung disorders.The frigid temperatures can make breathing difficult, so the winter months aren’t always joyful. Sometimes the temperature is really low, the roads are icy, and your front porch is covered with a foot of snow. Your respiratory system doesn’t function well in bad conditions like this because of the cold. It’s crucial to prepare for winter weather whether you live in these tough conditions or are just travelling to the north for a holiday.
Winter is now here, thus we need to have a plan in place to deal with issues like:
A worsening of COPD
Attacks of bronchial asthma and recurrent bacterial/viral infections
Before the winter sets in, the patient has to evaluate their disease status. Among the aids are:
Chest X-rays with Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Test)
Review of medical management for nebulizers and inhalers
Vaccines are a form of defence.
Here are some recommendations to make sure your lungs receive the essential care they require to withstand these challenging circumstances:
Take a nose-only breath
Breathe via your nose rather than your mouth to reduce the amount of chilly air that comes into direct contact with your lungs. The air has more time to warm up when you breathe through your nose, making it less chilly when it gets to your lungs. When combating the winter months, this simple tip can really make a difference.
Track neighbourhood air quality
In the winter, air pollution is a problem that is frequently disregarded. Because more people use wood fires to stay warm during the colder months, air pollution rises. This irritates the lungs and is especially dangerous for people who have severe allergies. Maintain control by keeping an eye on the local air quality and stocking up on medication.
Stay Healthy
According to studies, breathing chilly air weakens your immune system. Your risk of contracting respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, and the flu is increased by the chilly winter air. Try to keep healthy by being vaccinated against the flu, avoiding ill individuals, and knowing how to handle respiratory conditions. When your lungs are at risk, even small preventative measures are essential.
Bottom line
These tips will make your winter experience much more pleasurable. It’ll be a warm breath of fresh air and you’ll be shocked at how much more bearable the cold has gotten. Consult our Pulmonology Expert at Apollomedics hospitals Lucknow right away to make an appointment if the winter weather is affecting your lungs.
