A THREEMILESTONE pharmacist has issued advice for people living with asthma or COPD on staying well on cold days.

Victoria Pharmacy says there are simple steps for people who have a respiratory condition that can help them breathe easier throughout the winter.

1. Keep warm to help your lungs: Cold air can tighten your airways and make breathing difficult. Wear a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth to help warm the air before it reaches your lungs. Encourage children with asthma to do the same.

2. Protect babies from RSV: Wash your hands regularly, keep babies away from crowded places, and dress them warmly. If possible, breastfeed to help strengthen their immune system.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking water keeps your mucus thin, making it easier to clear your airways. Aim for at least 6-8 glasses of water a day to support your lung health. Ensure children are also staying hydrated.

4. Rest and relax: Stress can make symptoms worse. Prioritise rest, get enough sleep, and practise relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

5. Take your medications as prescribed: Always follow your asthma or COPD action plan. Keep your inhalers and medications handy, and ensure you have enough supplies during the winter months. Parents should ensure their children’s asthma management plans are up to date.

6. Create a lung-friendly home: Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air and reduce allergens by keeping your home clean. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.

7. Avoid crowded spaces: To protect yourself and your children from winter illnesses, stay away from crowded, enclosed spaces. If you need to visit public places, such as supermarkets, wear a mask to lower your risk of infection, and practice good hand hygiene.

8. Monitor for early signs of infection: In babies, RSV can cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Seek medical advice if you notice these symptoms.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of winter-related lung complications for both you and your children and keep your respiratory health in check.

During winter, babies are also at risk of serious infections like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Pharmacist Judit Barta said: “As the weather gets colder, it’s vital to take extra care of your lungs, especially if you or your child live with a long-term respiratory condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“You may find you or your family are short of breath and are coughing more than usual.

"If you have a long-term condition such as asthma or COPD, you can always come and speak with a pharmacist. Our pharmacists are highly trained and can provide you with the health advice you need to stay well this winter.

“We can help explain what your medications are doing, how to take them, and the best way to take them to make sure you feel the benefits. We will also make sure there are no interactions with other drugs to prevent side effects."

Could the cold be telling you something?

In some circumstances, cold weather can help people without a diagnosed lung condition identify whether they are showing some of the early warning signs. It is estimated that three million people in the UK have COPD, yet two in three have not yet been diagnosed.

Anyone who notices the cold weather bringing on a cough, phlegm and shortness of breath which persists should consider getting it checked out by their GP.

Where to get help?