Take care in cold snap
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PEOPLE with lung conditions are urged to take extra care during a sudden cold snap.
The British Lung Foundation Scotland & Northern Ireland says those with respiratory disease such as COPD or severe asthma can be particularly susceptible at this time.
Symptoms often include shortness of breath and increased coughing.
The impact of cold weather can sometimes be very serious. Particularly cold periods are almost always accompanied by a rise in the number of hospital admissions due to respiratory disease.
Many of the ways in which people with lung disease can avoid a worsening of their condition are common sense, such as wearing more layers and warmer clothing - even at night. Homes should be kept well-ventilated but warm, at around 21 degrees in the living room and 18 degrees in the bedroom.
When coping with the cold, it’s advisable to plan ahead as much as possible. Always checking the weather forecast can help to prepare.
Those on medication should carry it with them and people with bronchodilators should use them half an hour before leaving the house, to prevent the cold weather causing a sudden tightening of the airways when they are out.
There are also often outbreaks of flu in periods of cold weather, so anyone with a lung condition should contact their GP to take advantage of the free flu vaccine to which they are entitled.
In some circumstances, cold weather can actually help people without a diagnosed lung condition to identify whether they are showing some of the early warning signs.
Over two-thirds of the three million people living with COPD in the UK have not been diagnosed, so anyone who notices the cold weather bringing on a cough, phlegm or shortness of breath, should consider visiting their GP.
Foundation chief Dr James Cant, said: “While it may look lovely outside, it’s important to be sensible before venturing out in really cold weather.
"Taking simple, common sense measures should help anyone with a lung condition to get through the drop in temperatures without difficulty.
"The earlier COPD is caught, the easier it is to manage so if symptoms do appear throughout the cold snap – then please don’t ignore these early signs."
The British Lung Foundation is there to provide hope and support at every step.
Anyone with concerns can call their helpline on 03000 030 555 to chat to an advisor.
