The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first cold-health alert of the winter for the North West and West Midlands, in effect from 9am on Thursday until midday on Saturday. The alert comes as a surge of Arctic air sweeps across the UK, with temperatures anticipated to reach as low as -5C, or potentially even colder. Sleet and snow remain a possibility in some of the most northerly areas, while powerful wind gusts are set to create bitterly cold conditions.
Cold health alerts are usually issued between November 1 and March 30. With the cold snap presenting a number of health challenges, Dr Matt Swallow, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, sheds light on how cold air impacts respiratory health and the measures we can take to safeguard our lungs during the colder months.
How Cold Weather Affects Your Lungs
"The cold, dry air can irritate and inflame the airways because our lungs really want the air that we're breathing in to be warm and slightly moist," says Dr Swallow. He goes on to explain: "Normally when you breathe in through your nose, it warms up the air and slightly humidifies it. However, when the weather is cold you breathe in cold, dry air that can cause irritation and inflammation in the lungs."
That irritation can then cause the airways to narrow or constrict and can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness or increased mucus production. He highlights another concern: winter also sees heightened circulation of respiratory viruses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Covid-19 and common cold viruses.
"Flu, influenza, in particular appears to survive and remain infectious for longer in cold conditions," says Dr Swallow. "These respiratory viruses can trigger flare-ups of underlying lung conditions."
Who Is More Susceptible to Cold Weather Effects?
"During cold weather we've all gone outside and experienced breathing in really cold air and feeling a bit of chest discomfort, but those who've got pre-existing lung conditions – such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – are much more likely to experience increase in symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and it can provoke pre-existing symptoms," Swallow notes.
"Older adults, smokers, those who are very young, people who've got weakened immune systems, or other conditions like heart disease or diabetes, can also be more at risk."
How to Safeguard Your Lungs During Cold Weather
Dr Swallow advises wearing a scarf over the mouth and nose when it's cold, as the scarf acts like a heat exchanger and helps to warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs. For most people, it is still safe to exercise outdoors during cold weather, but the key advice is to warm up gradually and cover the mouth and nose with a scarf if that helps.
"Avoid intense exercise in really cold conditions and just be guided by what feels comfortable for you," advises Swallow. He also stresses the importance of getting vaccinated: "Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of having severe respiratory illness in the winter."
Taking medication as prescribed is crucial, as inhalers have a positive effect on reducing inflammation over time but take time to work. "We would always advise people to follow the treatment advice that's in their personalised asthma action plan or their COPD self-management plan," says Dr Swallow. He continues that it's equally crucial to ensure you carry reliever medication with you at all times.
Seek Early Help if You Are Deteriorating
Dr Swallow says: "Any change in symptoms or worsening of symptoms should prompt you to see a healthcare professional." Warning signs include increased breathlessness, new wheezing, increased sputum volume, or a colour change in the sputum, having a fever, reduced ability to do normal activities, or a change from their baseline.
More serious symptoms require immediate medical attention. "If someone is really struggling to breathe, struggles to talk in full sentences, are getting tired and exhausted because of their breathing, or feel drowsy or very unwell, these are all indicators for urgent help and you need to call 999 for an ambulance," advises Dr Swallow. Seeking help early is crucial, he explains: "Early treatment can often prevent things worsening and can prevent hospital admissions and more serious illness."
Addressing the ongoing cold-health alert, Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, stated: "This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable. We're also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall."
Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather.
