With the weather cooling down all over the country, people dealing with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) may be wondering how to avoid flare-ups. From wearing mouth coverings to keeping an eye out for irritants, here are the best tips for managing COPD during the winter.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose
Inhaling cold air is one of the biggest causes of COPD flare-ups from November to February. Whenever you venture outdoors for more than a few minutes, cover your nose and mouth with a warm scarf. The best technique is to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, which heats the outdoor air before it enters your airway.
In the time of COVID-19, a face mask can accomplish the same task just as effectively. There are also CT masks that are specially designed for people with COPD or asthma, so you have plenty of options.
Get the Flu Shot
Remember to get the flu shot every year before the temperatures fall. Doctors all agree there are few better ways to keep your lungs healthy in the winter than staying up to date on your flu vaccine. This will reduce your likelihood of catching pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections, too.
Avoid Irritants
Irritants are factors year-round, but you may encounter more of them when temperatures drop. Smoking is an irritant you should avoid at all times, but woodburning stoves and fireplaces become more of an issue in the winter, too. Any smoke inhalation can exacerbate COPD, so stay away from cigarettes and fireplaces.
You should also also avoid the outdoors during periods of strong wind. Gusts coupled with the drier winter air are irritants that can trigger a flare-up in no time. You can combat dry air in your home by purchasing a humidifier. A portable oxygen concentrator machine will help you deal with all these irritants, so talk to your doctor about oxygen therapy today.
Now that you know these tips for managing COPD during the winter, you can enjoy a festive season with as little discomfort as possible.