As temperatures drop, health services are gearing up for the number of extra patients they see with lung conditions and urging patients to plan ahead.
In winter, GPs see more people suffering from breathing complications and, according to the British Lung Foundation, there are almost 80 per cent more respiratory admissions to hospital in December, January and February than March, April and May. It all adds pressure on the health system which leads to delays.
Cold weather can trigger a flare-up of symptoms for people who already have conditions that affect their breathing. This is due to the dry air which causes the fluid lining of the throat to dry up which can lead to irritations and swelling. Cold weather also increases the production of thicker and stickier than normal mucus which can cause blockages in the respiratory system and also increases likelihood of colds or other infections.
Dr Ben Butler-Reid, a Blackpool GP and clinical director for NHS Blackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), said: “Winter is a difficult time for the NHS and the best way we can make sure services don’t get swamped is to make sure those who could experience flare-ups in their condition are prepared and prevent themselves needing hospital admittance.”
People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma, can be particularly prone to the effects of cold weather, becoming shorter of breath and coughing more than usual.
Christopher Jackson, respiratory nurse specialist at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is important those who have a long-term respiratory condition understand their self-management plan and where and when to seek further advice or support.
“People with respiratory conditions should ensure that they have a supply of their inhalers and they are using them correctly. Those with COPD whose condition could get worse should have access to ‘rescue medication’ and review this with a health care professional.”
If you have a lung disease, below are some tips about how you can fight the impact of the cold and keep your lungs as healthy as possible throughout the winter months.
Keep warm
Firstly, it is important to keep warm by wearing layers of clothing when it is cold. This may sound obvious, but is something people too often forget or don’t plan for.
Keeping the home warm is also crucial. The optimum room temperature is 21 degrees in the living room and 18 degrees in the bedroom. It is better to make sure the bedroom is nice and warm before going to bed to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the night.
Keep active
Staying active and doing some light exercise can also be extremely helpful by keeping the blood circulating and the body warm.
Appropriate exercise is generally good for strengthening lung health at any time of year. If you have a lung condition, your doctor will be able to advise you of a suitable level of exercise for you and local places where you can do this if you can’t do it in the home.
Plan ahead with your medication
Those on medication should carry it with them and people who have been prescribed bronchodilators (medication to help people breathe) 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.
Get your flu vaccination
There are 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 they are entitled to, if they haven’t already.
If your symptoms become severe, get in touch with your GP or call 111 if you feel you can’t wait.
Notes to editors:
This press release is issued jointly by the Fylde Coast Clinical Commissioning Groups and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
A video interview with Christopher Jackson and Dr Ben Butler-Reid is available here: https://youtu.be/uvweHEQ6nYs
For further information about this press release please call the CCG communications team on 01253 951349.
- NHS Fylde and Wyre and NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are the organisations responsible for planning and buying health services in the area to meet patients’ needs. This is known as ‘commissioning’.
- Led by family doctors (GPs), the CCGs serve a population of more than 300,000 people across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The majority live in the urban towns of Blackpool, Fleetwood, Thornton, Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham, Garstang and Lytham St Annes, but a significant proportion live in rural villages.
- The CCGs receive a set amount of money from the government and are committed to spending this wisely for the benefit of local people.
- Giving you more choice is a priority of the modern NHS. More information is available at https://www.fyldecoastccgs.nhs.uk/local-services/patient-choice/
- The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as an NHS patient: nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspx
- There are many ways to get involved in health service developments, including joining our Influence membership scheme or your practice’s patient participation group.
- For more information about the CCGs and how to get involved, visit https://www.fyldecoastccgs.nhs.uk/