Lancashire respiratory consultant gives advice to ‘protect your lungs’ this winter

A leading Lancashire and South Cumbria-based respiratory consultant has advised people with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma to be extra vigilant this winter and ‘protect their lungs’.

Professor Mohammed Munavvar, who works at Royal Preston Hospital as a consultant chest physician, has seen an increase in patients with respiratory conditions over previous winter periods, so he wants to ensure the local community are aware of steps they can take to avoid GP visits or hospital admission.

If you have long-term respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, winter can worsen your symptoms, often leading to shortness of breath or more coughing than usual. To manage your symptoms, you must be ‘weather-wise’. Being weather-wise means:

• Knowing why it is important to manage your condition more carefully during winter
• Having information to manage your condition during the winter months
• Making changes to your lifestyle to prevent your condition from getting worse

Professor Munavvar said: “For many, the winter period can be a source of concern and worry. People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, can be particularly susceptible to the effects of cold weather, finding themselves short of breath and coughing more than usual. In addition, the risk of catching COVID-19 and flu this winter remains significant – with cases and hospital admissions rising across the region.

“There are plenty of things which those with respiratory conditions can do to ensure that they remain well this winter, such as keeping warm, staying active and planning ahead with medications. It is important to keep warm by wearing layers of clothing when it’s cold. If you need to leave the house, check the weather forecast for the rest of the day to minimise your chances of getting caught in sudden downpours or strong, icy winds.

“Staying active and exercising can also be helpful, by keeping the blood circulating and the body warm. If you have a lung condition, your doctor will be able to advise you of a suitable level of exercise for you.”

He added: “Those on medication should ensure that they have an adequate supply, carry it with them, and people who have been prescribed bronchodilators should use them as directed before leaving the house, to prevent the cold weather causing a sudden tightening of the airways when they are out.”

It is important that those eligible should seek to have their COVID-19 and flu jabs as soon as they are made available to help protect themselves, their families and their loved ones.

All eligible adults can book their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations,  on the NHS App or by calling 119.

Some pharmacies and other vaccine services offer walk-in clinics and people can search for their nearest location on the NHS website.

Respiratory disease affects one in five people and is the third biggest cause of death in England after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Emphysema/COPD and asthma are the most common conditions.

For more information, visit the NHS website here.