Supporting people with respiratory conditions during extreme weather
This resource is part of the PCRS Greener Healthcare Initiative.
The UK is now exposed to more extreme weather conditions than ever before:
- Hot weather and heatwaves
- Droughts and risk of wildfires
- Periods of heavy rain and flash flooding
- Increased pollution and pollen levels
All of these put the health and wellbeing of people with respiratory conditions at risk.
For people with chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis, or other severe chronic respiratory disease, extreme weather can worsen symptoms because heat, humidity, dehydration, home conditions, higher ozone pollution, and pollen levels all place extra stress on the lungs and can increase breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and exacerbations.
This infographic provides a check list of what people with respiratory conditions should have in place and outlines the advice you can provide your patients with to stay well during extreme weather conditions - from heatwaves to cold snaps.
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