The program, warning people with lung diseases about the effects of weather, had a positive effect and reduced the number of hospitalizations by one-fifth, British researchers reported.

In this program, 8000 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases who were treated with various methods. According to experts, cold weather is a very harmful factor for this group of patients, and sharp chills can cause exacerbations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that is preventable and treatable, characterized by the restriction of airflow through the respiratory tract, which is not completely reversible. Disturbance of airway patency, as a rule, progresses and is associated with a pathological inflammatory response of the lungs to the effects of harmful particles or gases, primarily tobacco smoking, as well as cold airflow. Only in the UK this disease affects over 900 thousand. human.

Also, cold air exacerbates the manifestations of infectious respiratory diseases, narrowing them, which in turn hampers the breathing process, scientists say.. Infectious diseases of the respiratory tract are most often in winter.

Researchers note an increase in the number of deaths among afflicted COPDs about 12 days after a sharp drop in temperature, so one of the elements of treatment should be the warning of patients about the cold snap that will protect them from exacerbation and deaths. Experts believe that the program should be used more widely.

Medicinform. Net.