Winter & COPD
Although we're still at the beginning of 2014, we've already experienced some extremely cold, windy days.Winter can be difficult for people with COPD. The cold air and wind are often a problem. A person with COPD may experience shortness of breath and could fatigue easily.
If you or someone you know has COPD, it's best to avoid exposure to inclement weather. But if you have to venture out, here are some tips that may help:
1) Wear a scarf or mask and try to breathe through your nose to warm the air you're breathing.
2) Wear several layers of loose-fitting garments so as not to constrict your breathing but allow protection against the cold.
3) If you're using oxygen, keep your tubing inside your clothes to warm the air.
4) Try to limit exposure to the cold as much as possible and not over-exert yourself.
5) Call your doctor and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms of infection such as increased shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, or coughing, fever, or chills.
