Staying well with respiratory conditions as winter bites

Over 3,000 people are hospitalised with COPD in the MidWest every year and patients are most likely to experience severe illness during winter.

Noelle Ryan, Clinical Nurse Specialist, University Hospital Limerick, advises how patients living with COPD and other respiratory conditions can stay well over the coming weeks.

Many people with respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma experience more severe and more frequent symptoms during the winter months.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a lung condition that makes it difficult for people to breathe due to obstruction of the airways. Incorporating the more well-known conditions of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, COPD symptoms include breathlessness, persistent coughing and regular chest infections.

In Ireland it is estimated that 380,000 people are living with COPD yet only 110,000 are diagnosed. In the Mid-West region over 3,000 people are admitted to hospital with COPD each year and approximately 40-45% of patients attending our respiratory clinics in UHL, Ennis and Nenagh have COPD.

During the winter months triggers such as cold air, air pollution and viral infections can cause problems for people with COPD and also increase the risk of contracting a chest infection. COPD is one of the most common reasons for emergency hospital admissions and therefore as healthcare professionals it is vital that we empower patients to manage their condition, keep well and recognise signs that indicate they may need to seek medical attention.

Some tips to be winter ready and stay fit and healthy

Vaccines

Get your vaccines. If you have COPD, you’re much more susceptible to becoming seriously unwell if you get a chest infection. You’ll need to get the flu vaccine every year for best protection. You should also make sure you’ve had an immunisation against pneumococcal disease which can cause severe illness, including pneumonia and follow the HSE’s advice to ensure you are up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations.

Wrap up warm

Always wrap up well when going out and cover your mouth/nose with a snood or scarf on colder days – this can help to warm the air before it enters your lungs making it easier to breathe.

COPD patients are strongly encouraged to exercise, but the cold weather can make this uncomfortable. Exercise indoors during bouts of very cold weather, if possible, as it is important not to avoid exercise as this can worsen your COPD symptoms.

Clear your chest/breathing exercises

Clear your chest every morning so there’s no build-up of mucus, helping you to breathe more easily. You may have been shown some techniques to aid airway clearance by your healthcare professional.

Practice your breathing exercises every day to maintain that control and manage your condition at home.

Medication

Take your COPD medication as prescribed and carry your reliever inhaler with you. Check with your pharmacy, GP, respiratory doctor or nurse that you are on the correct medication and can use your inhaler correctly.

It’s not always so easy to get out and about during the winter, and your local pharmacy may be closed during the Christmas holiday period. Make sure you’re prepared for this, and ensure you have enough medication to see you through. Enlist the help of friends or family members to help with picking up prescriptions.

Reduce exposure  

Try to avoid contact with anyone who has a cold or flu to reduce your risk of catching it. While you shouldn’t isolate yourself during the winter, you should be wise about where you go and practice good hygiene to keep gems at bay.

Other obvious tips to keep well are to eat a healthy balanced diet and to quit smoking.

Support in the community 

Many of our patients found that their condition deteriorated during the pandemic as face-to-face rehabilitation services were cancelled and their activity levels reduced. Fortunately, there is plenty of practical help available for people with COPD in the Midwest.

Pulmonary rehab programs are run through the community hubs in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare. The respiratory team or your GP can complete a referral to pulmonary rehab. It consists of an 8-week group program with two exercise sessions a week. A team of healthcare professionals will teach and help you to exercise safely and manage your COPD better.

Local COPD support groups are running weekly exercise classes in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. These groups aim to motivate, engage and support people with COPD through peer support and care. To get information on your local support group check out COPD Support Ireland’s website or email support@copd.ie.