Is the cold weather bad for my lungs?

When you stepped outside this morning, it’s likely you would have felt a brisk chill in the air.

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.

But what do these chilly conditions mean for our lungs and should we be concerned?

We spoke to Dr Matt Swallow, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, to find out how cold air affects respiratory health and what steps we can take to protect our lungs during the colder months.

How can the cold weather impact 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 Swallow.

He explains: “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 coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness or increased mucus production.”

He adds another issue is that winter also brings about an increased circulation of respiratory viruses like 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 Swallow.

“These respiratory viruses can trigger flare-ups of underlying lung conditions.”

What groups of people are more likely to be affected by cold weather?

“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,” says Swallow.

“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.”

What can people do to protect their lungs in cold weather?

Wear a scarf

“Wearing a scarf over your mouth and nose when it’s cold can be beneficial as the scarf acts like a heat exchanger and helps to warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs,” explains Swallow.

Stay active

“For most people it is still safe to exercise outdoors during cold weather, but the key advice is warm up gradually and cover the mouth and nose with a scarf if that helps and you find [it] comfortable,” advises Swallow.

“Avoid intense exercise in really cold conditions and just be guided by what feels comfortable for you.”

Get vaccinated

“Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of having severe respiratory illness in the winter,” says Swallow.

“The eligibility for different vaccinations does vary, but just make sure you access the vaccinations that you are invited for and are eligible for.”

Take any medication as prescribed

“Inhalers have a positive effect on reducing inflammation over time but do take time to to work, so that’s why it’s so important that people take their medications regularly as prescribed,” says Swallow.

“We would always advise people to follow the treatment advice that’s in their personalised asthma action plan or their COPD self-management plan.”

He adds that it’s also very important to make sure you carry reliever medication everywhere with you.

Seek early help if you are deteriorating

“Any change in symptoms or worsening of symptoms should prompt you to see a healthcare professional,” says Swallow.

“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 Swallow.

Getting help early is key

“Early treatment can often prevent things worsening and can prevent hospital admissions and more serious illness,” says Swallow.

For information on how to stay safe with a lung condition, you can access Asthma + Lung UK’s Winter Guide here.