Pollution in winter and COPD: Keep your lungs healthy and safe with these easy tips

COPD patients need to exercise extra caution in winter. Avoiding pollutants, staying active, using inhalers correctly, and keeping vaccinations up to date are vital (Image: Pexels)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often called a silent disease because it develops slowly, and early signs are easy to miss. Every year, World COPD Day reminds us that with timely action, we can manage symptoms and prevent complications.

The theme of World COPD Day this year — Short of Breath, Think COPD — stresses the importance of spotting symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, persistent coughing, or breathlessness early, especially in smokers or people exposed to dust, pollution, or smoke from biomass fuels. “Many overlook these warning signs because the condition progresses quietly. Early detection and consulting a doctor can slow down the disease and improve quality of life,” Dr Raja Dhar, Director & HOD, Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata, tells Moneycontrol. “We must shift our focus on COPD as a ‘smoker’s disease’ to an ‘exposure disease.’ In India, non-smoking COPD is a bigger crisis, affecting young and old alike,” he warns.

Also read | World COPD Day 2025: Pulmonologist shares simple ways to protect your lungs from pollution if you have Asthma or COPD

Health risks of winter pollution

Cold air, seasonal infections, and higher pollution levels can easily trigger flare-ups. “Maintaining healthy lungs means avoiding pollutants both indoors and outdoors, exercising safely, using inhalers correctly, and keeping vaccinations, like flu and pneumonia shots, up to date.” shares Dr Alwani.

How to prevent COPD

• Spot early signs: Persistent cough, breathlessness on exertion, wheezing, or repeated chest infections should never be ignored. Consult a doctor early.
• Avoid indoor and outdoor pollutants: Reduce exposure to smoke, dust, and air pollution. Wear masks when necessary.
• Exercise safely: Gentle physical activity strengthens your lungs, but avoid outdoor workouts on high-pollution days.
• Take medicines properly: Use inhalers and other prescribed treatments consistently.
• Keep vaccinations current: Annual flu and pneumonia vaccines protect against infections that could worsen lung health.
• Support clean air initiatives: Environmental toxins, including biomass, smoke, or a major cause of COPD in non-smokers it is important to have clean air in your surroundings.

1. What is COPD?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a lung condition that develops slowly and can be hard to notice early. Symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, persistent coughing, or breathlessness.

2. Who is at risk for COPD?

Smokers and people exposed to dust, pollution, or smoke from biomass fuels are at higher risk. In India, non-smoking COPD is a significant issue affecting both young and old.

3. How can I spot early signs of COPD?

Look out for persistent cough, breathlessness on exertion, wheezing, or repeated chest infections. Early detection and consulting a doctor can slow the disease and improve quality of life.

4. What precautions should COPD patients take in winter?

During winter, COPD patients should avoid pollutants, stay active, use inhalers correctly, and keep vaccinations up to date to reduce flare-ups triggered by cold air, infections, and higher pollution levels.

5. How can COPD be prevented?

Preventive measures include reducing exposure to smoke, dust, and air pollution, gentle physical activity, using inhalers correctly, getting annual flu and pneumonia vaccines, and supporting clean air initiatives.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.