Charity warns ‘below freezing’ temperatures could be deadly for people with lung conditions 

With temperatures expected to drop below freezing in some parts of the UK this week, a leading lung charity is warning people with conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to be on their guard.  

The Met Office is warning of temperatures as low as -7C in some areas, with snow and ice also expected, which could be deadly for those with lung conditions says Asthma + Lung UK. 

Extreme cold can worsen symptoms such as breathlessness and wheezing in people with asthma and COPD, potentially leading to a life-threatening asthma attack or flare-up of COPD requiring hospitalisation.  

Head of Health Advice at the charity Emma Rubach says people ‘need to be careful and look after their lungs’ during the cold spell. 

“Cold weather can be dangerous if you have a lung condition as it can bring on symptoms like coughing, wheezing and leave you struggling to breathe. This is because cold air can cause the airways to narrow, which can increase the amount of mucus produced and make breathing harder. Cold, dry air can also irritate the airways and worsen symptoms of asthma and other lung conditions and weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight respiratory infections like colds and flu which are still doing the rounds. 

“We would urge anyone with a lung condition to be careful and make sure they are protected against the cold. The most important thing to do is ensure you are using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed if you use one, as this builds up protection in the airways over time and always have your inhaler reliever with you, in case you do feel symptoms coming on.  

“When you’re outside, breathing in through your nose can also help as this warms up the air, as does wearing a mask or loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth, if comfortable to do so. Wearing thermals and layers of thinner clothing instead of one thick layer can also keep you warmer.  

“When indoors, try heating your home to at least 18 degrees if you can, use blankets and hot water bottles to stay warm, close your bedroom windows at night and use draft excluders or blockers to try and reduce the amount of cold air in the room. Try not to sit still for more than an hour, you can try some gentle stretches to keep you warm. It is also a good idea to have at least one hot meal a day and to check the weather before you go out and stay inside in case it is too cold or windy for you.    

“It’s important to keep managing your lung condition well during the winter and take your medications as prescribed. You can use a self-management plan too and regular medication reviews are also important. If your symptoms do worsen, acting quickly could stop you from having an asthma attack or flare-up of your lung condition. Make an urgent appointment with your GP or nurse and tell them if the cold weather is making your symptoms worse.  

A spokesperson for the Met Office warned that temperatures could plummet to as low as -7C in some parts of the UK by the weekend. 

The spokesperson said: “It’ll start to feel colder for many from Friday, with many waking up to a frost. By the weekend, daytime temperatures are likely to only be around the mid-single figures, with sub-zero temperatures overnight for many. Friday night could see temperatures get as low as -7C in rural parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. There’s a chance of some pockets of sleet and snow to southern and southeastern parts of England on Friday, though this will also be accompanied by rain and cloud for many.” 

He explained that the cold conditions were in effect “due to high pressure over the UK helping to bring in an easterly flow of air, which will help to drop temperatures and introduce a chance of winter hazards for some, with low temperatures the main thing to keep an eye on in the coming days.” 
 
Plummeting temperatures and icy conditions are a major trigger for people with lung conditions. In a recent survey by Asthma + Lung UK, 69% of people with asthma and COPD surveyed, said cold weather was a trigger for them1. Currently there are around 7.2m people living with asthma in the UK and 1.7m people diagnosed with COPD.2,3 This means millions of people with lung conditions could be affected by the wintry temperatures forecast.   

“Your risk of ending up in A&E doubles in winter if you have a lung condition.4 We’re here to help you to stay well, however, everyday people with lung conditions are needlessly suffering and without urgent action more lives will be put at risk. The government’s ten-year plan is a once in a decade opportunity to radically rethink how the lives of people with lung conditions can be improved,” added Rubach. 

If you would like to receive tailored advice about how to look after your lung condition over winter, please visit: www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/notjustaseason   

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