COPD & PM 2. 5 : How Seasons Make a Difference

You know how tiny particles in the air, called PM 2. 5 , can cause problems for people with COPD? A recent study looked into how these particles affect COPD patients throughout the year. The study involved 105 COPD patients, ages 46 to 82, from different places. They checked how much PM 2. 5 was in their homes and outdoors. They also looked at how well their lungs worked and how often they had flare-ups. The study found that the PM 2. 5 levels were highest in winter, both indoors and outdoors. Higher levels of PM 2. 5 made patients feel worse and had more flare-ups, especially in winter. Patients who were not as wealthy were affected more. The tiny particles also made it harder for air to move through the small airways. This study shows that PM 2. 5 levels change with the seasons and can make COPD worse, especially in winter.