Cómo controlar la EPOC en invierno

¿Cómo afecta la EPOC al día a día de las personas?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD represents a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD includes damage to the small air sacs in the lungs (emphysema) and long-term airway inflammation (chronic bronchitis).

Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP and Clinical Technology Lead at Lloyds Online Doctor, says common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, persistent coughs with phlegm and frequent chest infections.

"Day-to-day, people with COPD are likely to have difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity, and may experience persistent wheezing," he says.

"Whilst occasionally getting out of breath is normal and healthy for many of us, persistently getting breathless from normal tasks such as walking up the stairs or hoovering is a signal that something isn't quite right."

However, Sanghvi explains how, unfortunately, many people with COPD aren't diagnosed until the later stages of the disease, or they're simply not diagnosed at all. That's despite the fact that millions of people live with COPD across the country.

¿Puede empeorar la EPOC durante el invierno, y cómo?

Sanghvi says COPD can be triggered by extreme forms of weather. This includes the heat and cold.

He explains that in the winter, cold and dry air can cause flare-ups. Temperatures below 3°C are particularly dangerous for people with COPD. This is because, when temperatures drop, your body has to work even harder to keep you warm.

Sanghvi adds: "In the extreme cold, your blood vessels begin to narrow. This restricts blood flow and deprives your heart of oxygen. That means your lungs have to work harder to provide oxygen through the bloodstream. This then adds even more pressure to the long-term symptoms that people with COPD experience."

Durante el invierno, las personas con EPOC pueden notar que sus síntomas empeoran en respuesta al clima. Se cree que es dos veces más probable que los síntomas de la EPOC empeoren durante el invierno que en otras estaciones. El factor desencadenante del invierno hace que las reagudizaciones sean más frecuentes.

¿Cuáles son los signos de una crisis de EPOC?

Sanghvi says that some flare-ups can be managed at home, but others may need immediate hospital attention.

¿Cómo puede controlar su EPOC durante los meses más fríos?

Sanghvi recommends covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask when you go out in winter time. This can help to warm the air before it reaches your airways. He also advises staying inside and avoiding strenuous activities where possible. This helps to minimise your exposure to dry air and reduce the chance of a flare-up. However, it is important not to avoid exercise altogether - this can worsen COPD symptoms.

Las infecciones también pueden desencadenar brotes, por lo que es importante llevar un estilo de vida saludable. Lávate las manos a menudo y evita los espacios concurridos. Aunque no debes aislarte durante el invierno, debes ser prudente con los lugares que frecuentas y practicar una buena higiene para mantener a raya los gérmenes. Esto puede ayudarle a evitar contraer otras enfermedades, ya que los resfriados, la gripe y la neumonía pueden provocar exacerbaciones de la EPOC.

¿Dónde puede encontrar apoyo y asesoramiento médico para tratar la EPOC?

You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about your COPD or want medical advice on managing it better. The British Lung Foundation (BLF) also has lots of support and resources for people living with COPD.