Tuesday, December 17, 2019

COPD and Cold Weather

Are you looking for Elder Care Service in North NJ? Applause Home Care offers Elder Care Service in North NJ that provides meaningful care that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services.

What is COPD?


Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease of the lungs that severely restricts breathing and claims approximately 3 million lives annually. Almost 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more may have the condition and are not yet diagnosed. It is a progressive disease that affects impairs the lungs and the ability to breathe.

The leading cause of COPD is smoking. If you smoke on a regular basis, it can inflame the linings of the airways in your lungs, leading to COPD. In addition to smoking, other factors that can put you at risk of developing COPD include:




  • Breathing in secondhand smoke
  • Living in an environment that has high levels of air pollution
  • Exposure to chemical fumes, dust, or pollution
  • Genetics: Some people have a rare genetic condition that affects the body's ability to protect the lungs.


  • COPD is diagnosed more often in people over the age of 40. COPD affects more women than men. Experts think this is because about as many women as men are smoking, and cigarette smoke may be more damaging to women’s lungs, because women typically have smaller bronchial tubes than men’s lungs.

    Cold Weather Impacts


    Those who have COPD may need to take some precautions now that winter has arrived. Cold weather, and particularly cold air, can wreak havoc with your lungs and health. Some things to consider:




  • Indoors, air humidity ideally should be at 40 percent. This can be maintained with a humidifier. This is particularly critical because of the dryness those with COPD encounter during the winter.
  • Skin is more dry than usual during the winter months and your may benefit from moisturizing drops from time to time especially when reading.
  • Outdoor, chapped lips can be caused by several factors, including weather and sometimes medications. Lips do not contain oil glands like other parts of the skin. This means lips are more susceptible to drying out and becoming chapped. Lack of moisture can make the problem worse, whether it’s weather-induced or related to a lack of self-care.
  • You should cover your nose and mouth while outdoors. A surgical mask or scarf works well.



  • So now, if you want to and can, picture one of the characters from Charlie Brown’s entourage. If you can see Linus or Schroeder or even the man himself, Charlie Brown, wrapped up in layers upon layers of warm winter clothes with a warm hat on his head and a scarf wrapping his face so that all you can see are the eyes, you have a picture of how one should brave the cold!

    For more information about our Elder Care Service in North NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

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