Breathing Tips for Cold Weather

Cold weather is typically dry and for many people-especially those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), this translates to more difficulty breathing. Dry air can irritate the airways often resulting in shortness of breath or shallowing breathing. However, there are several things you can do to keep breathing deeply through cold weather and make it to a warm and lovely spring. Here is a list of simple things you can do to make breathing easier in the winter months.

• Get your flu shot-Having the flu can cause congestion making it more difficult to breathe. Typically in the winter season, we are more susceptible to catching the flu. Getting the flu shot can help prevent getting the flu which can help you avoid the congestion altogether
• Invest in a warm and cozy scarf-A nice warm scarf that is large enough to cover both your nose and throat is a great way to keep the dry air out of your lungs. It may also help prevent catching a cold which is another cause of congestion you want to avoid.
• Wash your hands frequently-I know it can be a pain taking off and re-applying layers including gloves, but washing your hands frequently prevents germs which are the leading cause of colds.
• Avoid working out in extremely cold weather-This can be tempting but that dry air might be terrible for your lungs especially if you suffer from COPD. If in doubt go for the treadmill or other indoor workouts. You will have something to look forward to the coming Spring.
• Exercise your respiratory muscles-this may seem strange but your respiratory muscles are what help you breathe and when they are weak you end up suffering from shallow breathing. A breathing exerciser like Expand-A-Lung is the perfect solution. It can be used anywhere and uses inspiratory and expiratory resistance to strengthen your respiratory muscles and increase your lung capacity.
• Stay away from people who have colds or the flu-this may seem like the most obvious one but this is especially important if you suffer from COPD. Any cold or flu will aggravate your COPD symptoms.

We may be at the home stretch of winter but that doesn’t mean we should throw caution to the win. When we are least prepared we are most vulnerable. So invest a little time in taking care of yourself and make it through winter in good health.