COPD and The Winter Season – Five Things to Know

As the winter nears, those suffering from respiratory disorders start to experience the first bout of the season that they dread. Cold, cough and respiratory disorders become a constant companion as the winter wafts in, making it difficult for them to trudge through this season with ease.

For those suffering from COPD, the onset of the winter season also calls for some special precautions and preparations. Here are some simple tips to ensure that you can work through the winter with ease:

1. Maintain your COPD equipment
   Ensuring that your oxygen concentrator is in ship-shape is the first thing to take care of before winter sets in. Cleaning sieve beds and checking hoses for leaks right before the onset of winter can help you go through the winter season without breakdowns.
2. Cleaning your humidification equipment every other day
   Humidifiers can get mouldy in the winter. Cleaning your humidifiers often can ensure fewer bouts of irritation in your lungs.
3. Enhance your fluid intake
   Drinking enough water is the first way to fight the cold. Enhance your fluid intake to include water, soup, gruel, tea or other fluids of choice. Remember that you lose moisture with every breath. Enhancing your fluid intake will replenish that lost hydration and will make you feel better even if you get a cold.
4. Avoid smoke and fumes
   If you smoke, winters is a good time to avoid smoking if you can. Smoking can irritate your lungs and will exacerbate your symptoms in case you catch a cold. Fumes from open fires, scented candles, incense and fuel can make you feel much worse than usual and in severe cases, land you in a hospital.
5. Avoid crowds and sick people
   If you suffer from COPD, avoiding large crowds and staying away from sick people can help you to stay healthier. Ensuring that you wash your hands after every contact with someone from outside your house and wearing a mask will reduce the chances of getting infected.

Although this is a generic list, it goes a long way in ensuring that you take care of yourself more than usual. Winters are worse than summers for sufferers of COPD, and the pandemic has only made things worse than usual. At Sanrai, we care for your well-being and will ensure that you are well-informed to take care of the things that may affect you in this season. We are here to help you in case of any problems that may occur due to device malfunctions or service and spares.

Until the winter passes and gives way to the warmth of spring, please take care and be well!