Hot and cold weather

The weather can affect everyone, but it’s especially important for people who have lung disease or lung cancer to know what’s going on outside. Whether you watch it on TV or use your phone to find out, keeping an eye on the weather is a must. Hot or cold, rain or wind, it’s good to know what’s coming, as changes in the weather can cause your symptoms to flare up and really affect how you feel.

Your lungs and hot weather

Summer can be challenging for people living with lung disease or lung cancer. As temperatures rise in Australia, it can lead to hot and dry or hot and humid conditions. These may cause an increase in symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose, irritable eyes or a sore throat. 

To stay well in hot weather, it’s important to:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, or as advised by your doctor if you are on fluid restrictions. Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol, tea, and coffee. Eating smaller, cooler meals with high water content, such as fruits and salads, can also help.
• Avoid the sun: Limit direct sun exposure, monitor UV levels, and schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Keep cool:
  • Place a wet hand towel in a zip lock bag and freeze to help you cool down when the day becomes quite hot
  • A cool breeze across your face from a fan is proven to reduce breathlessness. Use a hand-held fan, like this one
  • Take regular cool showers or go for a swim
  • Go to your local library or shopping centre to stay out of the hottest part of the day
  • Use fans and air conditioning at home or keep the blinds closed. Ask your electricity provider if they can offer you an electricity subsidy for running your aircon. 

Avoid smoke: If there’s bushfire smoke in your area, stay inside with the windows and doors closed. Use your aircon on recycle mode. Follow any warnings and alerts and have a bushfire plan ready.

Heading outside? Make sure you check the weather, bring your medications with you, take a handheld fan and drink enough water. Ask your healthcare team about safer exercises to do in the heat.

Your lungs and cold weather

Winter can also be hard for people living with lung disease or lung cancer. Cold, dry air can make your symptoms worse and you might get sick more easily.

Know the signs of a flare-up

It’s important to know when your symptoms are getting worse. Signs include more coughing, more trouble breathing, more mucus than usual and feeling tired or having difficulty with usual activities. 
If you have COPD or bronchiectasis, use your action plan. If you don’t have an action plan, ask your doctor to complete a plan for you. An action plan can help you to be prepared in the event of a flare-up.

Avoiding winter sicknesses

Catching colds and flu can lead to a flare-up. Every flare-up does damage to your lungs, so it’s a good idea to:

• Stay away from people when they are unwell with cold or flu, including your family
• Practice good hygiene at home and when out and about
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.

Make sure you get your annual influenza vaccination and talk to your doctor about other relevant vaccinations, such as pneumonia, COVID-19 or RSV.

Stay warm and keep active

Keep your home warm with a safe heater, especially if you are using home oxygen. Avoid wood-burning or unflued gas heaters as they are a significant health hazard. 

Stay active with indoor exercises and avoid sitting still for long periods. You can try some home exercises from our Maintaining Movement series. When going outside, first check the weather and stay indoors if it’s too cold. You can use your reliever inhaler if needed, and focus on breathing through your nose, which can help to warm the air you breathe.