Hello friends and colleagues, I hope you are all keeping well and warm as the nights draw in and the cold weather arrives; the winter respiratory season is upon us. November is a crucial month for preparing our patients for the seasonal surge in asthma, COPD, and viral exacerbations. We know that winter brings increased hospital admissions, pressure on primary care, and rising demands on community respiratory services; but how can we really prepare our patients for the winter months? Simple measures such as optimising inhaler technique, promoting vaccination uptake and providing patients with personal action plans really can make all the difference. Many asthma and COPD exacerbations are preventable if patients are provided with the right advice and education when seen by their healthcare professional. Here are some of Dragon’s top tips to help prevent winter exacerbations for patients with respiratory disease:
- Ensure correct inhaler use: many patients are still making critical errors which will affect the delivery of the drug into the airways. Check your patients inhaler technique at every opportunity.
- Optimise pharmacological therapy: remember all patients with asthma should be on an inhaled corticosteroid; either as part of a daily regime or PRN. The use of SABA monotherapy is outdated and unsafe.
- Promote vaccination uptake: encourage flu, pneumococcal, RSV, Covid-19 and other vaccinations for those who are eligible.
- Provide written management plans: patients who have written advice are less likely to access emergency care. Make sure to tell your patients about the HeathHub Apps to access digital versions.
- Address environmental and lifestyle triggers: reduce exposure to known triggers such as tobacco smoke, indoor pollutants and cold air; keep living spaces well-ventilated to avoid mould and damp which can worsen symptoms.
- Encourage early contact: make sure patients have a clear management plan, can recognise the early warning signs that their condition is worsening, and know exactly what steps to take and who to contact if they have an exacerbation.
- Keep active: whether this is a gentle walk or some light exercise at home, patients need to keep moving to maintain strong lung health and overall well-being.
- Keep well, keep warm: Keep your home warm and well-ventilated. Cold weather can be a trigger to those with lung disease. Patients should try to maintain their home temperature around 18 -20 degrees and wrap up warm when outdoors. Not forgetting to eat well and stay hydrated!
For more information on keeping well and keeping warm this winter, you can also take a look at the ALUK website.
Happy Festive Season!
Best Wishes
Michelle