As temperatures plummet across the UK, a familiar winter sensation for many—feeling short of breath in the cold—can sometimes mask a more serious health crisis. Distinguishing between common discomfort and a potential emergency is becoming increasingly vital, according to new data.
A Sharp Rise in Respiratory Crises
Asthma and Lung UK has reported a dramatic 23% increase in emergency respiratory admissions over the last two years. This alarming trend particularly impacts individuals living with pre-existing conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The statistics from England reveal a stark picture. Emergency admissions jumped from 1,841,010 recorded between April 2022 and March 2023 to a staggering 2,268,865 for the period spanning April 2024 to March 2025. This significant rise underscores the urgent need for public awareness.
To help people identify a genuine crisis, we consulted Dr Andy Whittamore, a practising GP and the clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK.
Critical Symptoms Demanding Urgent Care
Dr Whittamore outlines several key warning signs that should never be ignored.
"If you are severely breathless, or if it's come on very, very quickly so you can't complete full sentences, that can be a particular sign you are having more of a life-threatening attack on your breathing," he explains. This kind of sudden, intense breathlessness requires immediate attention.
Chest pain or a feeling of tightness is another major red flag. "If you get either a very tight or painful chest, that sort of discomfort could be a sign of an asthma attack, or an infection like pneumonia, or even a heart problem," Dr Whittamore points out. Any chest discomfort warrants a prompt medical assessment.
A visible change in colour is a clear signal of danger. "If your lips, tongue or fingertips go blue, which is what we call cyanosis, that's a sign of very low oxygen," highlights Whittamore. "If you also experience breathlessness with that, then that's an emergency which requires immediate intervention."
Listen to your breathing. Wheezing, unusually noisy or rapid breaths often indicate obstructed airways. "If you are getting wheezing and that comes on very quickly or your breathing just sounds very noisy or very fast, then that can be a sign you are really struggling," says the doctor.
Finally, be aware of mental and physical changes. Confusion, dizziness, or extreme tiredness accompanying breathlessness can signal that oxygen levels are critically low, meaning the body is struggling to supply vital organs.
How to Respond and Protect Your Lungs
In the moment of a breathing crisis, Dr Whittamore's first advice is to stay calm. "When somebody is panicking or anxious, their breathing becomes abnormal, so panicking can actually make your breathlessness worse."
He recommends sitting upright, slowing your breathing, and trying to relax. If you have a reliever inhaler, use it immediately and follow your personalised asthma or COPD action plan.
If symptoms are intense or worsening, seeking urgent medical attention is non-negotiable. "Always call an ambulance if it's very severe or if you are really struggling. You can always cancel an ambulance, but you can never get an ambulance when it's too late," Dr Whittamore urges. Quick action can prevent a situation from becoming life-threatening.
Delaying treatment carries significant risks. "A lot of these things can be life-threatening," Whittamore states, adding that conditions become harder to manage the longer they are left. Breathing difficulties strain major organs; inadequate oxygen can lead to heart complications like heart attacks and cause damage to lung and heart tissues.
To safeguard your health during the colder months, Dr Whittamore offers several proactive steps:
- Use your prescribed preventer inhalers regularly and always carry your reliever inhaler.
- Check your eligibility for winter vaccinations against flu, Covid, RSV, and pneumococcal disease.
- Keep warm both indoors and outdoors to prevent cold air from irritating your airways.
- Ventilate your home regularly to reduce dampness and moisture build-up.
- Report any changes in your breathing to your GP early, before symptoms escalate.
By recognising the warning signs and acting quickly, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the heightened risks that winter poses to respiratory health.
