Winters often bring a sense of relief from the heat, but for people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), this season can be extremely challenging. A combination of cold air, rising pollution levels, and viral infections makes winter the most difficult time of the year for those with fragile lungs.

Cold air itself is a major trigger. When temperatures drop, the air becomes dry and constricts the airways, making it harder for COPD patients to breathe. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, and sudden breathlessness even with minimal physical activity.

For many patients, stepping outdoors early in the morning or late in the evening can immediately provoke symptoms because the cold air irritates the already inflamed airways. However, the biggest winter culprit is pollution.

During the winter months, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in many Indian cities often lounges in the hazardous zone. The rise in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is usually caused by a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, construction dust and seasonal climate factors such as stubble burning.

These fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs and worsen inflammation, leading to COPD flare-ups and, in many cases, hospital admissions. Pollutants also impair the natural defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract, making patients more prone to infections.

Source:Ndtv