If you have long-term respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, winter can worsen your symptoms. To manage these effectively, be ‘weather-wise’:
- Understand the importance of winter care
- Gather information on managing your condition
- Make lifestyle changes to prevent aggravating your symptoms
If your symptoms worsen, seek medical assistance early for quicker recovery.
How can I keep well in winter?
Staying Warm
Recommended room temperatures are 21 degrees during the day and 18 degrees for your bedroom. Here are some tips:
- Wear warm nightclothes as body temperature drops during sleep.
- Close windows at night to reduce the risk of lung infections.
Concerned about heating costs? Learn more about help with heating costs.
Clothing and Food
- Layer your clothing to trap heat.
- Keep blankets handy indoors.
- Consume hot drinks and meals throughout the day.
Outdoor Precautions
Before going out, consider:
- Checking the weather forecast
- Wear appropriate warm clothing
- Carrying rescue medication. For COPD patients it is important to have an up to date rescue pack (antibiotics and steroids) and an in date bronchodilator (Salamol or Ventolin).
Keeping Active
Physical activity is essential for both warmth and well-being. Learn about local activities or find exercises you can do indoors.
Mental Health
Winter can significantly affect your mental health through Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), reduced Vitamin D levels, and increased isolation. To help you cope, consider light therapy for SAD and Vitamin D supplements after consulting a healthcare provider.
Try to stay socially connected and maintain a regular exercise routine, even if it’s indoors. Keeping a balanced diet and stable sleep schedule can also help regulate mood and energy levels. If symptoms persist, seek professional advice.
More advice on managing your mental wellbeing during winter
Medical Precautions
Protect yourself through:
- Winter vaccinations
- Pneumococcal vaccines
- Avoiding people with respiratory infections, e.g. the flu
Emergency Care
Know the signs of a flare-up and if symptoms worsen dramatically, call 999.
For people with asthma, make sure that your asthma management plan is up-to-date and refer to it to support you with what to do in an emergency.
Lifestyle Changes
Smoking is a significant risk factor that adversely affects your respiratory health, especially during the winter months when conditions like asthma and bronchitis can worsen. If you’re looking to quit smoking, our local lifestyle services offer a comprehensive support system, including counseling and treatment options, to help you take that crucial step towards better lung health. Reach out to us for personalised guidance and resources on quitting.
Financial Support for Home Oxygen Users
If you rely on an oxygen concentrator at your residence, you’re eligible for a rebate on the electrical consumption associated with its use. Your concentrator supplier can directly deposit these funds into your bank account. For more information, you can reach out to the following:
- Contact the BOC Home Oxygen Service Patient Service Centre for electricity rebates at their toll-free number 0800 136 603.
- Speak with the Air Liquide Healthcare rebate team for electricity refunds by dialing the toll-free number 0800 781 9939.
You are also entitled to join the priority services register with your energy supplier which includes:
- Priority support in an emergency
- Being informed of planned power cuts