Bronchiectasis: Staying well in winter

This video from Lung Foundation Australia features Professor Lucy Morgan, a respiratory physician based in Sydney, sharing practical advice for people living with bronchiectasis on how to stay well during the colder months. As Chair of the Bronchiectasis Registry Project and Bronchiectasis Consortium with Lung Foundation Australia, Professor Morgan introduces a series of patient-focused resources designed to help individuals better understand and manage their bronchiectasis. The video highlights key winter wellness strategies including minimising exposure to respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and influenza, through regular handwashing, good cough etiquette, and timely vaccination. Professor Morgan underscores the importance of avoiding close contact with sick individuals, particularly for people with chronic lung conditions who are more vulnerable to respiratory infections.

Exercise plays a central role in the video, with a strong emphasis on maintaining daily physical activity—even during cold, wet weather. Professor Morgan encourages regular, moderate exercise such as brisk walking, and offers simple strategies to stay warm outdoors, like wearing scarves, gloves, and beanies to reduce cold-air exposure, which can trigger coughing or chest tightness. She debunks the myth that walking in the rain causes pneumonia, reassuring viewers that being physically active in winter is safe with the right clothing.

The video also discusses the impact of home heating on respiratory symptoms, noting that wood fires and unflued gas heaters can worsen coughs and irritation in people with lung disease. Professor Morgan recommends central heating or layering warm clothing as safer alternatives. She concludes by highlighting the comfort of slow-cooked, nutritious meals and maintaining social connections during winter. This video provides evidence-based, practical tips for people with bronchiectasis to manage their symptoms and maintain quality of life during the colder months, while promoting awareness and preventive care through Lung Foundation Australia’s educational initiatives. For more information about bronchiectasis and protecting your lung health visit www.lungfoundation.com.au