Protect yourself this winter

If you are one of the 9,000 people in Sheffield who have COPD, you’ll know that cold weather can make your condition worse, putting you at risk from chest infections, and making your breathing much harder than usual.

To help you during the winter months please follow these simple, practical tips:

  • Keep your house warm - Make sure you keep your bedroom at 18c and your living room at 21c.

  • Wrap up to keep warm when going outside

  • Avoid Infections - If you catch a cold it can go straight to your chest

  • Diet - Build up your immune system and eat a healthy diet, including 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day. 

  • Flu Jabs - Contact your surgery about getting your pneumonia and yearly flu vaccinations

 

Protect yourself (be SMAART):

Symptoms

  • Contact your doctor or nurse if your symptoms become worse.

  • Many people with COPD wait until they are very ill before contacting their surgery

  • However, if you get treatment within the first few days of your symptoms getting worse you may avoid becoming very ill.

Medication

  • Make sure you always have enough medication to last at least 2 weeks.

  • Don’t run out of medication, particularly over the weekends or bank holidays.

  • At your annual review, ask your doctor or nurse whether you should keep some steroids and antibiotics at home to take if your symptoms ever get worse.

Active 

  • Keeping active can prevent the risk of you going into hospital.

  • If you are not sure how to exercise safely, talk to your GP, consultant or nurse. They can refer you for Pulmonary Rehabilitation courses which are available in Sheffield to teach you what exercises your can do. 

Anxiety / Depression

  • Feelings of depression, anxiety or panic are common in people who suffer from being short of breath.  

  • This can increase the feeling of breathlessness which can then increase anxiety.

  • Don’t suffer in silence, contact your doctor or nurse, as lots can be done to help you.

Review

  • You should have your COPD reviewed with your doctor or nurse each year.

Tobacco 

  • Stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do to help your breathing

  • Call free on 0800 068 4490 or visit www.sheffieldstopsmoking.nhs.uk to find out about help in your area.

http://www.sheffield.nhs.uk/respiratoryhealth