Why is Bronchiectasis Worse in Winter?

Living with bronchiectasis during the winter may worsen symptoms, including wheezing, chronic cough, recurring lung infections, and even chest pain.

“It is common knowledge that the winter season, especially in the higher latitudes, is the difficult part of year for patients with chronic respiratory diseases and that inhalation of cold air has negative effects on the lungs for people with respiratory diseases” ¹

Understanding the connection between bronchiectasis and cold weather and strategies to manage it can help you stay healthier and more comfortable this winter season.

In this article, we’ll look at:

• Does bronchiectasis get worse in cold weather?
• Who is affected by dry winter air?
• Bronchiectasis and cold weather: how to manage symptoms
• How airway clearance can help

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Colder air loses moisture and becomes dry— making it difficult to breathe. For a person with a chronic lung condition, the dryness may irritate the airways, resulting in shortness of breath or congestion in the sinuses, which may expose your lungs to infection. ²

Winter is prime time for respiratory infections like the flu, colds, and RSV, which can exacerbate bronchiectasis symptoms. ³ Damaged airways are more susceptible to infection, which can lead to flare-ups and further lung damage.

Heating systems can dry out the air in your home, which may irritate the respiratory system and thicken mucus. This makes it harder to expel, potentially increasing the risk of mucus buildup and infection.

Colder weather often means spending more time indoors and reducing physical activity. It’s important that even if you’re living with chronic lung disease, you’re getting regular exercise. ⁴

Here are a few tips on exercising with bronchiectasis.

When there’s less moisture in the air, everyone feels the effects. For someone with a lung condition, however, the symptoms may intensify. Whether you’re living with asthma, COPD, bronchitis, or bronchiectasis, your lungs are more susceptible to irritation and inflammation when the air is dry. ⁵

Winter weather poses significant challenges whether you’re out in the cold or staying inside where the heat is on. Here are a few tips to protect yourself from outdoor and indoor irritants.

Outdoor Actions

Bundle Up – Loosely wrapping a scarf or mask around your nose and mouth will warm and humidify the air before it enters your lungs.⁶

Use Your Garage – Keeping your car covered will prevent you from staying outside for long periods brushing off snow.

Monitor Air Quality – Monitor air quality forecasts in your area to help you stay healthy. Air pollution can be very high in the winter. Try to stay indoors when the Air Quality Index is above 101.⁷

Indoor Actions

Clean Air Filters – Changing your home’s air filters every 90 days will help avoid the spread of dust and irritants.

Avoid Wood-Burning Fires – This will protect you from allergens that can cause lung irritation and frequent coughing.⁸

Wash Your Hand – This can help prevent the spread of germs that can cause pneumonia and other flu-like symptoms. It’s also important to get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19.

Other Tips for Navigating Bronchiectasis and Cold Weather

• Stay Active. Even during winter, staying physically active can help improve lung function and promote mucus clearance. Simple indoor exercises or stretching can make a big difference to how you feel physically and mentally.
• Hydrate. Drinking plenty of water thins mucus, making it easier to expel. Warm beverages like herbal teas can also soothe irritated airways.
• Maintain Airway Clearance Therapy. Using an airway clearance device like SmartVest can be especially important during winter. This therapy can help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, reducing the risk of infection and clearing your airways.

More ways to get rid of mucus in the lungs.

SmartVest therapy provides effective airway clearance, helping individuals with bronchiectasis stay ahead of mucus buildup and reduce the frequency of infections. This is especially critical during winter when the risk of flare-ups is higher. By incorporating airway into your daily routine, you can manage symptoms and maintain better respiratory health all year long.

Take Control of Winter Challenges

While winter may bring extra difficulties for managing bronchiectasis, proactive steps can help. Speak with your healthcare provider about adjusting your management plan during colder months, and consider how SmartVest can support your journey.

Interested in learning more? See how SmartVest can help you breathe easier, even during winter’s toughest days.

Resources

¹ National Library of Medicine. “The impact of cold on the respiratory tract and its consequences to respiratory health” Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6031196/

² American Lung Association. “Weather and Your Lungs” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/blog/weather-and-your-lungs

³ Cleveland Clinic. “Bronchiectasis” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21144-bronchiectasis

⁴ American Lung Association. “Exercise and Lung Health” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/exercise-and-lung-health

⁵ American Lung Association. “Weather and Your Lungs” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/blog/weather-and-your-lungs

⁶ Mayo Clinic. “Is the extreme cold bad for your lungs?” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/is-the-extreme-cold-bad-for-your-lungs

⁷ American Lung Association. “Weather and Your Lungs” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/blog/weather-and-your-lungs

⁸ Cleveland Clinic “That Cozy Fire Could Be Hazardous to Your Health” Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/that-cozy-fire-could-be-hazardous-to-your-health