Respiratory conditions

If you have long-term respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, winter can worsen your symptoms. To manage these effectively, be ‘weather-wise’:

  • Understand the importance of winter care
  • Gather information on managing your condition
  • Make lifestyle changes to prevent aggravating your symptoms
  • You can also visit the Asthma and Lung UK website for a free personalised guide to protect your lungs this winter.

If your symptoms worsen, seek medical assistance early for quicker recovery.

Top tips to manage your COPD this winter

1. Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor or nurse and try to reorder supplies in good time.

2. Avoid viruses and infections by washing your hands frequently and being in places with good air flow. Avoid contact with family / friends if they are unwell

3. Have your winter vaccinations such as flu and covid-19 and make sure that you have had the pneumonia injection which is only needed once. If 75 years or older please also have your ‘RSV’ vaccine. As the weather gets colder, respiratory viruses start to circulate. It’s important to top up your protection against these viruses. 

4. Keep yourself and the room you spend time in warm – wrap up with layers of clothes when outside

5. If your house is damp or mouldy this could be triggering your condition. Your local council may be able to provide housing support if needed.

6. Keeping active – short walks, local classes and chair-based exercises are a great way to keep active in the winter months. Asthma and Lung UK websites have information to help support and provide guidance on activity options.

What more can I do to keep well in winter?

Staying Warm

Recommended room temperatures are 21 degrees during the day and 18 degrees for your bedroom. Here are some tips:

  • Wear warm nightclothes as body temperature drops during sleep.
  • Close windows at night to reduce the risk of lung infections.
  • Stay indoors if it is less than 5C (41F) when possible
  • If your house is damp or mouldy, this could be triggering your condition.
  • Concerned about heating costs? Learn more about help with heating costs

Home warmth grants may be available:

Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire: Better Housing Better Health:

Reading Borough Council:

West Berkshire Council:

Wokingham Borough Council:

Clothing and Food

  • Layer your clothing to trap heat.
  • Keep blankets handy indoors.
  • Consume hot drinks and meals throughout the day.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask when outside.

Outdoor Precautions

Before going out, consider:

  • Checking the weather forecast
  • Wear appropriate warm clothing
  • Carrying rescue medication. For COPD patients it is important to have an up to date rescue pack (antibiotics and steroids) and an in date bronchodilator (Salamol or Ventolin).

Keeping Active

Physical activity is essential for both warmth and well-being. Short walks, local classes and chair-based exercises are a great way to keep active in the winter months. Learn about local activities or find exercises you can do indoors.

Asthma and Lung UK website have great information to help support you, plus guidance on suitable activity options.

Mental Health

Winter can significantly affect your mental health through Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), reduced Vitamin D levels, and increased isolation. To help you cope, consider light therapy for SAD and Vitamin D supplements after consulting a healthcare provider.

Try to stay socially connected and maintain a regular exercise routine, even if it’s indoors. Keeping a balanced diet and stable sleep schedule can also help regulate mood and energy levels. If symptoms persist, seek professional advice.

More advice on managing your mental wellbeing during winter

Medical Precautions

Protect yourself through:

  • Don’t run out of medication or inhalers
  • Use the right inhaler technique. Here is a video reminder of good inhaler technique for different devices.
  • Winter vaccinations, Covid & Flu
  • Pneumococcal vaccines
  • If you are over 75 years old, please also have your ‘RSV’ vaccination.
  • Avoiding people with respiratory infections, e.g. colds and flu

Emergency Care

Know the signs of a flare-up and if symptoms worsen dramatically, call 999.

For people with asthma, make sure that your asthma management plan is up-to-date and refer to it to support you with what to do in an emergency.

Lifestyle Changes

Smoking is a significant risk factor that adversely affects your respiratory health, especially during the winter months when conditions like asthma and bronchitis can worsen. If you’re looking to quit smoking visit: Quit smoking – Better Health – NHS. Get support including counselling and treatment options, through to help you take that crucial step towards better lung health. 

Financial Support for Home Oxygen Users

If you rely on an oxygen concentrator at your residence, you’re eligible for a rebate on the electrical consumption associated with its use. Your concentrator supplier can directly deposit these funds into your bank account. For more information, you can reach out to the following:

You are also entitled to join the priority services register with your energy supplier which includes:

  • Priority support in an emergency
  • Being informed of planned power cuts

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