Having COPD can be quite a struggle, especially if you’re living in cold weather. Symptoms such as wheezing, chronic cough, and shortness of breath in cold weather are common for those with COPD. However, there are ways you can cope with your COPD in cold weather. Whether it be from maintaining proper hygiene, preventive methods, or using different portable oxygen concentrators, managing COPD in cold weather is possible.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
When it comes to combatting the symptoms of COPD in cold weather, your top priority should be your hygiene. Keeping your hands clean and away from your face is one of the best defenses against germs. Always keep hand sanitizer accessible when out in public places.
Preventive Methods
Prevent shortness of breath in cold weather by following helpful tips for your COPD. If you have a humidifier, clean it every day to make sure it functions at its optimal level. Keeping it clean will help maintain the moisture in the air and prevent mold from forming. When going out in public, make sure to avoid those who are sick. Steer clear of groups of children, hospitals, or anyone with a cold to keep from getting sick.
Always stay hydrated, as drinking water makes breathing easier, particularly if you have a respiratory infection. With every breath you take, you lose water, so drink up! Stay away from smoke and fumes while keeping up with your water intake. During the cold season, it may be difficult to avoid inhaling kerosene, scented candles, or smoke from the fireplace. In addition, most cleaning products can give off strong fumes, so keep away from these elements, as they can aggravate your COPD.
Rescue Inhaler
An additional preventive method you should take when dealing with COPD in cold weather is keeping a rescue inhaler handy. Before you go outdoors, take a puff of your inhaler, especially if you’re going out on a walk or doing any other physical activity. The bronchodilator in the rescue inhaler will prevent shortness of breath in cold weather by opening and relaxing your airways, making it easier for you to breathe as you run errands. When you prepare against cold weather for your COPD, you’ll keep your lungs from overworking themselves and have an easier time breathing in the harsh weather. Carrying the AirSep Focus portable oxygen concentrator will make a great addition to the rescue inhaler, as it’s lightweight and you can take it with you wherever you go.
Exercise Indoors
In general, it’s widely encouraged that COPD patients exercise; however, when the cold weather makes it difficult to do so, keep your workout indoors. Exercising in your home or at the gym is a great alternative to exercising outdoors. If you need to go out outdoors for a workout, do a 15 to 20-minute warm-up before doing so. A great portable oxygen concentrator to take along with you is the SeQual Eclipse 5, as it can withstand cold temperatures. The Inogen One G3 is also a great aid to have when warming up and exercising because you can use it while it’s charging.
Having shortness of breath in cold weather due to COPD doesn’t have to keep you from partaking in daily activities. When you use our efficient portable oxygen concentrators, you’ll get to experience the joys of everyday life without COPD stopping you. Have any questions about COPD, respiratory health, or our inventory? Feel free to reach out to us anytime as we’re here to help!
