It is that time of year again!

It is that time of year again!
We are all suddenly aware of coughs and splutters, especially for any Londoners travelling on the tube.
For most of us this will mean nothing more than a few days on the sofa with a duvet and a Lemsip but for patients with any underlying lung conditions, the implications could be much more serious.

Asthma affects 1 in 12 adults in the UK and costs the NHS around £1 billion per year. According to Asthma UK, Asthma also accounts for up to 12.7 million working days lost each year.

Winter is a problematic time for individuals with asthma as both the colder air and the increased prevalence of seasonal viruses, can cause increased irritability of airways, which can lead to wheeziness, phlegm and shortness of breath.

It isn't only asthmatics that are affected, patients with COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and many other lung conditions find the winter months the most troublesome.

An informative article in the Metro newspaper on Monday 8th November had lots of helpful tips but unfortunately no mention of how a physiotherapist can help. Respiratory physiotherapists can advise you how to minimise these risks and what to do if you are affected.

Respiratory physiotherapists are experts in the prevention and treatment of chest infections. They are able to provide advice on a range of issues including correct use of inhalers, management of shortness of breath, clearance of phlegm and how to exercise safely.

If you would like more information on these services or to find out if a respiratory physiotherapist can make your winter less about coughs and splutters and more about carols and shopping, contact us at physiotherapy@hje.org.uk

Lauren Kerr, In-patients Lead Physiotherapist at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, St John's Wood

http://www.central-health.com/blog/respiratory-physiotherapy/preventing-treating-chest-infections.html