Hyderabad: Stepping outdoors early in the morning — between 4 am and 7 am, when winter chill is at its peak — can pose health risks for people with chronic respiratory conditions, doctors have cautioned.Dr Kishan Srikanth Juvva, consultant in clinical and interventional pulmonology at Yashoda Hospitals, said people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses are prone to flare-ups during winter. “Cold, dry air irritates the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness,” he explained.Winter also sees a rise in viral infections such as influenza and the common cold, which can quickly worsen respiratory conditions in people with compromised lung function or low immunity. “Those with underlying chest and lung diseases are particularly vulnerable during this season. Elderly patients often land up in emergency care and may require hospitalisation,” Dr Juvva said, adding that timely precautions and early medical intervention can prevent life-threatening complications.Doctors noted that winter-related health risks are not limited to the lungs. Dr N Ramana Rao, a general physician and private practitioner, said low early-morning temperatures force the body to work harder to retain warmth. “Blood vessels constrict to reduce heat loss, which raises blood pressure and puts additional strain on the heart. People with underlying health conditions should avoid stepping out early in the morning,” he said. He added that travelling during winter holidays is another common mistake among such patients.Dr Narendra Kumar Narahari, pulmonologist at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, said people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to be especially careful. “They must remain on regular medication and should not ignore symptoms such as fever, particularly during the winter months,” he said.
