‘UK’s third biggest killer’ can flare up in cold weather, experts warn

A CONDITION that affects over a million people in the UK can turn life-threatening during cold weather – but many Brits have little to no understanding of what it is.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

It’s estimated 1.2 million adults are already living with the condition, and its prevalence is expected to increase by 40 per cent over the next six years.

As the Met Office warns of extreme cold weather with snow and ice over the next few days, those with COPD are being urged to be extra careful.

Leading lung charity Asthma + Lung UK is asking those with COPD and other lung conditions, like asthma, to be aware that plummeting temperatures and icy conditions can trigger potentially life-threatening flare-ups or asthma attacks.

This is because cold air can cause the airways to narrow, which can increase the amount of mucus produced and make it harder for you to breathe.

Cold, dry air can also irritate the airways and worsen symptoms like breathlessness, coughing and wheezing.

It also weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight respiratory infections like colds and flu.

In a recent survey by Asthma + Lung UK, 69 per cent of people with asthma and COPD surveyed, said cold weather was a trigger for them.

Currently there are around 7.2m people living with asthma in the UK and 1.7m people diagnosed with COPD.

This means millions of people with lung conditions could be affected by the wintry temperatures forecast. 

What can you do to protect your lungs

When the weather is very cold there are things you can do to protect your lungs.

Erika Radford, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, advsiedL “When you’re outside, breathing in through your nose helps to warm up the air, as does wearing a mask or loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth, if comfortable to do so.

“Wearing thermals and layers of thinner clothing instead of one thick layer can also keep you warmer. If you use a reliever inhaler, always keep it with you to quickly treat symptoms if they come on. And finally check the weather before you go out and stay inside if it is too cold or windy for you.   

“When indoors, try heating your home to at least 18 degrees if you can, use blankets and hot water bottles to stay warm, close your bedroom windows at night and use draft excluders or blockers to try and reduce the amount of cold air in the room. Try not to sit still for more than an hour, you can try some gentle stretches to keep you warm. It is also a good idea to have at least one hot meal a day.”

It’s also important to keep managing your lung condition well during the winter and take your medications as prescribed, said Erica.

If your symptoms do worsen, acting quickly could stop you from having an asthma attack or flare-up.

You should make an urgent appointment with your GP or nurse and tell them the cold weather is making your symptoms worse. 

Erica warned: “Your risk of ending up in A&E doubles in winter if you have a lung condition.

“We’re here to help you to stay well, however, everyday people with lung conditions are needlessly suffering and without urgent action more lives will be put at risk.

“The government’s ten-year plan is a once in a decade opportunity to radically rethink how the lives of people with lung conditions can be improved.” 

Many Brits don’t know what COPD is

A study of 2,000 adults, commissioned ahead of World COPD Day (November 20 2024) found 69 per cent were surprised to learn COPD is the third biggest killer in the country – responsible for around 3,000 deaths each year.

Even though most (87 per cent) have heard of the condition.

It also emerged, recognising the causes behind COPD is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for people.

When asked if they could identify some of the most prolific contributors, many respondents failed to cite smoking (26 per cent), air pollution (46 per cent) and asthma (51 per cent).

Also, when asked about some of the more unusual and unexpected factors contributing to the condition, awareness levels dropped even further – with just 32 per cent recognising genetics as a contributor.

Many were also unaware of the key symptoms – 27 per cent don’t realise it can result in shortness of breath and 55 per cent don’t know it can cause fatigue.

And 43 per cent had no idea sufferers frequently develop chest infections.

Gabriel Lambert, a spokesperson for respiratory health technology company, TidalSense, which commissioned the research, said: “The findings of this study highlight a critical gap in public understanding of COPD, a disease that affects millions yet remains largely misunderstood.

“Despite being one of the leading causes of death in the UK, it’s clear that a large proportion of the public is unaware of its symptoms or its primary causes.

“This lack of awareness is concerning because it means people are less likely to seek early help or make lifestyle changes that could protect their lung health.

“If more individuals understand that COPD can be caused by factors like smoking, air pollution, and even asthma, they might take proactive steps to prevent or manage it.”

Early treatment of COPD can make a significant difference

Early treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes in both the short and long term.

But according to the TidalSense research, 20 per cent of respondents admitted they would wait a month or longer before seeking treatment for symptoms.

Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 73 per cent think a greater awareness of the causes of COPD would encourage the public to take lung health more seriously.

While 45 per cent of respondents said they don’t currently feel well informed about lung health.

Gabriel Lambert said: “Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial for managing COPD and improving quality of life for those affected.

“Greater public awareness could not only drive people to seek medical advice sooner but also lead to healthier habits and potentially reduce the burden on the NHS.

“This data underscores how urgent it is for us to bring COPD into the public eye in a way that motivates real, lasting action on lung health.”