Asthma + Lung UK Cymru is now raising awareness of how people with lung conditions can stay well this winter as their newest data analysis shows a 105% spike in respiratory deaths in winter compared to summer.
Leading lung charity, Asthma + Lung UK Cymru is urging people to take particular care of their health this winter as stark numbers reveal that in Wales, there is a 105% (double) increase in respiratory deaths in winter compared to summer. The new analysis also shows nearly half (43%) of respiratory deaths, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occur between December and March.1
The charity’s analysis of the latest available data in Wales reveals that winter is the deadliest season for people with lung conditions. People with asthma are particularly at risk, with an increase of 93% in the number of people dying from the condition in winter compared to summer. Roughly 314,000 people have asthma in Wales, of which 59,000 are children.
Winter is a dangerous time for people with lung conditions as viruses such as flu and Covid-19, and cold air from plummeting temperatures are top triggers for life-threatening asthma attacks and can cause other lung conditions to get worse – leaving people struggling to breathe.
People with lung conditions should keep up to date with their flu, Covid-19, and pneumonia vaccines if eligible, make sure they take their regular medications as prescribed, eat well and keep themselves warm according to advice from Asthma + Lung UK Cymru.
Looking at the average deaths over a five-year period (2015-21):
Asthma:
40% of yearly deaths occur in winter 93% increase in deaths (Dec-March)
COPD:
42% of yearly deaths occur in winter 95% increase in deaths (Dec-March)
Bronchiectasis:
39% of yearly deaths occur in winter 84% increase in deaths (Dec -March)
Lisa Hall, from Newport, has severe asthma:
“Since November, I’ve had 4 viral infections and been hospitalised twice. Having a lung condition during winter is like having a full-time job”
“The cold weather and viruses have a massive effect on my health and leaves me struggling to breathe. Since November I’ve had four viral infections and been hospitalised twice.
“I take ten medications daily but twice a day. Then a weekly medication to protect my bones from the effects and then an injection every 14 days. This winter has also taken a toll on my mental health as it’s been a constant battle of trying to stay well and keeping out of hospital. It’s like having a full-time job.
“I feel like I can’t plan anything because I don’t know if I’m going to be well enough. I have a son and missing things like his football matches really takes its toll. I just want to be there and have fun with him!"
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru said:
“Winter is especially hard on the people’s lungs, with higher rates of respiratory infections and many people struggling to stay well with colder homes and fewer food choices. It is vital that people with lung conditions take extra care particularly as the cost of living begins to bite and many people cut back on meals and warming their homes.
“This year the Welsh Government published its Quality Statement for Respiratory Disease, but without funding, it remains uncertain how we are going to tackle the poor respiratory health in Wales head on. We are seeing extreme winter pressures on our health service. Let’s break this cycle. We need better funding, planning and targeted financial support for those with lung conditions to ease the cost-of-living crisis and to help minimize the NHS pressures for winter 2023.
“We strongly encourage people to get the flu, Covid and pneumonia vaccines, take their routine medicines as prescribed and make sure that their self-management plans are up to date with their GP and to make an urgent appointment if symptoms get worse. We would also stress the importance of keeping warm and eating well. Ideally, you would want to be heating your home to 18 degrees, keep warm by wearing layers of clothes, have lots of hot drinks and at eat at least one hot meal a day if you can.
“We also have lots of winter health tips on our website or people can ring our helpline on 0300 222 5800.”
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Notes to Editor
1. Over 39% of bronchiectasis deaths occur in winter, 84% increase in deaths due to bronchiectasis in winter. Over 42% COPD deaths during winter, 95% increase in COPD deaths during winter. Over 40% of asthma deaths occur in winter. Asthma deaths increase by 93%. Data via Asthma + Lung UK Cymru analysis: bespoke data request from Office of National Statistics (2015-2021).