1. Drink more warm fluids

Hydration is important for those living with COPD, but especially during the cool, dry days of fall. Reach for warm drinks that don’t have alcohol or caffeine (these are dehydrating), like herbal tea, spiced cider, or dairy-free hot cocoa.

2. Cover your mouth

The blustery fall weather can trigger coughing and wheezing, especially when the air is much colder outside than inside. Consider bringing a scarf with you, to cover your mouth when outdoors. This will warm and filter the air, making it easier to breathe.

3. Prevent illness

As cold and flu season arrives, it’s important to take precautions to avoid illness, as these respiratory bugs can make your COPD quite serious. Practice good hand washing, get plenty of sleep, and keep herbal remedies like elderberry syrup, ginger tea, and Echinacea on hand.

4. Clean your indoor air

When cool weather comes, you spend more time indoors, so it’s a good idea to make your indoor air quality as healthy as possible. Change out your central heating filter and your free-standing HEPA filters, if you have them. Also, dust and vacuum on a more regular basis.

If you need more tips on how to stay well with COPD during the autumn please call for more information and ask for our Respiratory Therapist.