A CONDITION that affects over a million people in the UK can turn life-threatening during cold weather - but many Brits have little to no understanding of what it is. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It's estimated 1.
2 million adults are already living with the condition, and its prevalence is expected to increase by 40 per cent over the next six years. As the Met Office warns of extreme cold weather with snow and ice over the next few days, those with COPD are being urged to be extra careful. Leading lung charity Asthma + Lung UK is asking those with COPD and other lung conditions, like asthma , to be aware that plummeting temperatures and icy conditions can trigger potentially life-threatening flare-ups or asthma attacks.
This is because cold air can cause the airways to narrow, which can increase the amount of mucus produced and make it harder for you to breathe. Read more on winter viruses Cold, dry air can also irritate the airways and worsen symptoms like breathlessness, coughing and wheezing. It also weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight respiratory infections like colds and flu .
In a recent survey by Asthma + Lung UK, 69 per cent of people with asthma and COPD surveyed, said cold weather was a trigger for them. Currently there are around 7.2m people living with asthma in the UK and 1.
7m people diagnosed with COPD. Most read in Health This means millions o.