WITH respiratory illnesses and infections running rampant and driving up numbers of sick people attending the emergency department, a HSE expert has issued advice for people with ongoing conditions on staying safe over the winter period.
Over 3,000 people are hospitalised with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in the Mid West every year and patients are most likely to experience severe illness during winter.
Noelle Ryan, clinical nurse specialist at University Hospital Limerick, says that many people with respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma experience more severe and more frequent symptoms during the winter months.
During the winter months, triggers such as cold air, air pollution, and viral infections can cause problems for people with COPD and also increase the risk of contracting a chest infection – the condition is one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions at the end of the year.
“Get your vaccines. If you have COPD, you’re much more susceptible to becoming seriously unwell if you get a chest infection. You’ll need to get the flu vaccine every year for best protection. You should also make sure you’ve had an immunisation against pneumococcal disease which can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, and follow the HSE’s advice to ensure you are up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations,” Ms Ryan said.
“Always wrap up well when going out and cover your mouth and nose with a snood or scarf on colder days – this can help to warm the air before it enters your lungs, making it easier to breathe.
“COPD patients are strongly encouraged to exercise, but the cold weather can make this uncomfortable. Exercise indoors during bouts of very cold weather if possible, as it is important not to avoid exercise as this can worsen your COPD symptoms”.
Other advice from the nurse specialist includes using exercises to clear the chest every morning so there’s no build-up of mucus, and to practice breathing exercises every day.
She also advises taking prescribed medication regularly, carrying a reliever inhaler, and staying clear of people with infections.
Pulmonary rehab programs are run through the community hubs in Limerick, Tipperary, and Clare. The respiratory team or a GP can complete a referral to pulmonary rehab, which consists of an eight-week group program with two exercise sessions a week.
Local COPD support groups are also running weekly exercise classes in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary.
To get information on local support groups, visit COPD Support Ireland’s website or email support@copd.ie.
