Tips for Enjoying Winter Walks with COPD

This week, we’re recognising The Festival of Winter Walks, a chance to enjoy the countryside and winter landscapes. While the allure of a brisk walk or a refreshing hike through snow-covered landscapes is appealing, for those living with lung diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), safety measures must be taken to avoid the risk of exacerbating their condition.

What is COPD?

COPD is a progressive lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; around 1.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with the condition¹. It affects breathing, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Sadly, around 30,000 people die each year from COPD in the UK, making it the second biggest cause of death from lung disease, after lung cancer and followed by pneumonia².

Why should people with COPD take precautions?

When symptoms worsen for COPD, it’s known as a flare-up or exacerbation. These flare-ups can be caused by cold, dry weather which can be particularly dangerous for those living with severe forms of COPD.

Activities, such as walking and hiking, which could also make an individual short of breath can also increase the chances of a flare-up, depending on the severity of the condition. With the right precautions, however, walking can be beneficial for people living with COPD.

Tips for Winter Walks with COPD

1. Consult with a healthcare professional – Before venturing on a winter walk, speak to your healthcare provider about the level of physical activity that aligns with your health condition.  In studies evaluating the average walking time of patients living with COPD compared to those without the condition, the cohort living with COPD had a much lower average walking time than the healthy group³.
2. Layer Up and Stay Warm – Dress warmly in layers when going outside: these can then be adjusted to regulate body temperature (loosening scarves or opening zips for example once exertion warms you up). Ensure to protect the extremities (hands, feet, neck, and head).
3. Choose the Right Time – Go for walks during the warmer parts of the day during daylight hours. This can minimise the impact of cold air on the lungs and allow a clear line of sight, reducing the risk of falls in icy conditions.
4. Plan Accessible Routes – When selecting walking or hiking routes, prioritise accessible paths which are well-maintained and mostly flat without any steep inclines which could increase your risk of a flare-up.
5. Stay Hydrated – Although the winter temperatures may not feel as dehydrating as the summer months, it is still crucial to maintain adequate hydration to avoid exacerbating symptoms. For patients living with lung conditions like COPD, it’s recommended that they drink around 8-12 glasses of water every day⁴.
6. Travel with a Companion – Enjoying a walk with a friend, family member, or walking group can not only make your walk more enjoyable but can also provide a safety net. In the event of any respiratory distress or fatigue, a companion can offer assistance and support.
7. Be Weather Aware – Keeping an eye on weather forecasts, particularly on a mobile phone that you carry with you, to get regular updates, can keep you informed of any sudden changes in the weather which could impact your respiratory health. In one analysis of hospital admission rates, winter admissions for COPD were 66% greater than summer admissions⁵.
8. Social Distancing – To mitigate the risk of exacerbating symptoms of COPD, it’s advisable to avoid crowded areas and practice social distancing, especially during outbreaks of viral illnesses, such as the flu, which could further worsen conditions.
9. Be Prepared – Ensuring essentials are kept on hand always is also very important. This could include items such as necessary medications, a mobile phone, and any required medical information.

Clinical Trials for COPD

Here at MAC Clinical Research, we are committed to improving quality of life for people living with COPD through clinical trials investigating potential new treatments. If you are aged 40 to 75 with COPD, you could be eligible to take part in our latest COPD clinical trial.

Eligible participants will receive up to £2,425 for their time and commitment, plus reasonable travel expenses or transport to clinic visits is provided. MAC can also accommodate for caregivers to attend clinic visits as chaperones.

For more information and to see if you could be eligible, register your interest via our COPD study page.

¹ British Thoracic Society – BTS ILD Registry Annual Report 2020: a summary of the UK IPF Registry for the general public

² Thorax BMJ – S32 Epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the UK: findings from the British lung foundation’s ‘respiratory health of the nation’ project

² NHS – Digital service to manage high-risk chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients

³ Respiratory Research – Level of daily physical activity in individuals with COPD compared with healthy controls

⁴ COPD – Staying Hydrated

⁵ Asthma and Lung UK – Inhale the facts: Countdown to 2024