Winter making your health problems worse? 7 conditions cold weather can affect

Winter isn’t just the season for colds and flu. For some people, falling temperatures, cold air and shorter days can make existing health conditions harder to manage.

Cold weather can affect the body in several ways – from narrowing blood vessels and irritating the airways to drying out the skin. This can affect conditions such as eczema, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

But while many people report that certain symptoms get worse in winter, the evidence isn't always clear-cut as to why this is.

Here we take a look at common conditions that can be affected by colder weather and ask healthcare experts to share the practical steps that could help manage symptoms in the winter.

Our Expert

Dr Rachel Ward is an NHS GP Partner in South Oxfordshire with a specialist interest in health inequality. She is co-host of The Farmacy podcast, exploring the relationship between food, farming and health.

Winter health conditions: key findings

• Lung conditions such as asthma and COPD can be aggravated by cold, dry air. This can irritate and narrow the airways.
• Raynaud's phenomenon can be triggered by the cold, and your fingers and toes may change colour. Other symptoms can include pain, numbness or tingling.
• Cold weather can make joint pain and stiffness feel worse for some people, although research into the link between weather and arthritis symptoms is limited.
• Eczema and dry skin can worsen in winter for some people, thanks to cold outdoor air, low humidity and indoor heating.
• Reduced daylight may affect mood and contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – although this is different from simply feeling a bit low during winter.
• Migraines and headaches may be triggered by changes in temperature or weather in some people, although triggers vary considerably.
• Cold temperatures may make your heart work harder as blood vessels constrict to conserve heat.
• Cold weather doesn't cause health conditions, but it can trigger them or make symptoms more noticeable in some people.

Can you really boost your immune system? Find out what the science says in our podcast episode

Why can winter make some health conditions worse?

'Cold weather can put your body under increased pressure, in the same way that hot weather does, as it's working harder to try to keep warm,’ explains Dr Rachel Ward, an NHS GP.

This can trigger or aggravate symptoms for some people with health conditions, although it doesn't directly cause the conditions themselves.

In colder weather, the blood vessels in our body constrict to help conserve heat. This can increase blood pressure and make the heart work harder to pump blood around the body. This added strain can make you more vulnerable if you have an underlying heart condition.

Breathing in cold, dry winter air can also irritate the airways. ‘Some people may find that they're getting more spasms in their airways, which can lead to things like coughing and wheezing,’ says Dr Ward. This can be particularly difficult if you have an existing lung condition.

Reduced humidity can also dry out skin, which can be an issue for people with eczema. And as we’re spending more time indoors in close contact with others, viruses can spread more easily, meaning bugs like colds and flu are common.

‘Viruses like flu can put your body under extra strain and can sometimes be very serious if you have an underlying health condition,’ she adds. 

1. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

‘Winter can be difficult for people with lung conditions like asthma and COPD,’ says Nazir Hussain, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK and a respiratory pharmacist.

‘Cold, dry air can irritate the airways, causing them to narrow, making it harder to breathe. It can also increase mucus production, which may worsen symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.’

Colds and flu can also trigger asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups. As people tend to spend more time indoors, they may be more exposed to common triggers such as damp and mould.

‘Keep taking your regular medication as prescribed throughout the winter, even if you feel well,’ says Hussain. It’s also important to know where your personalised asthma action plan or COPD self-management or rescue-treatment plan is, if you have one.

Stay up to date with any vaccinations recommended for you, such as flu and Covid-19. And if you think your symptoms are getting worse, Hussain says: 'Follow your self-management plan or get advice from your GP or nurse as soon as you can.'

Tips to help protect your lungs in winter

• Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to warm up the air you’re breathing in. You could also wear a mask or loosely wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth.
• If it feels too cold or windy outside, stay indoors and keep warm.
• Remember to protect your lungs from cold air when you’re inside. Try to heat the rooms you spend a lot of time in to at least 18°C, if you can.

You can also sign up for an Asthma + Lung UK Winter Wellbeing Guide tailored to your lung condition.

Health? or Hype?

Make the right choice with recommendations you can trust, backed by expert testing.

Explore health recommendations

2. Raynaud’s phenomenon 

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition where blood flow to your fingers and toes is temporarily reduced. This can cause your skin to change colour. It might go paler or sometimes blue and can cause pain, tingling or numbness.

Some people also find their ears, nose, lips or nipples are affected.

‘Most people can manage Raynaud’s by being proactive about keeping their hands warm with thick gloves and hand warmers and trying to reduce extreme changes in temperature,’ says Dr Ward. 

However, if you’re really struggling to manage or you’re worried your symptoms may be caused by a health condition or medication, talk to your GP.

Tips to help manage Raynaud's phenomenon in winter

• Wear warm clothes, especially on your hands and feet.
• Try to avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Exercise regularly – this helps maintain general circulation and may help manage symptoms.

If you're finding the seasonal shift a challenge, discover 8 essentials that help Which? experts tackle cold, dark mornings 

3. Arthritis and joint pain

Arthritis affects more than 10 million people in the UK, according to Arthritis UK, and while everyone’s experience is different, many report that their symptoms, such as pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, can be worse in winter.

Research on the links between weather and joint pain is limited, explains Lucy Donaldson, director of research at Arthritis UK. She says: ‘We still don't know the exact cause of this relationship.’ 

If you know you’re affected by certain weather patterns, though, it could help you manage your symptoms. And while it can be trickier in the colder months, it’s also important to exercise.

‘Our research has shown that exercising is one of the best ways you can manage arthritis and its symptoms,' says Lucy. 'It can ease pain, increase joint strength and flexibility and boost your mood.

‘Cold weather can sometimes rule out outdoor activities, but there are several indoor options such as swimming, yoga and tai chi that are seen to have benefits for people living with arthritis.’ 

If you’re unsure where to start, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

Tips to help manage arthritis symptoms in winter

• Keep your house warm, ideally at 18°C or above.    
• Keeping your body warm could help ease stiffness. Wrap up by layering loose clothes instead of tight clothes, using arthritis-specific compression wear, trying microwavable slippers or beanbags and double-layering socks.   
• Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and is essential for bone health. The NHS recommends taking a daily supplement of 10mcg (micrograms) throughout autumn and winter.

How to keep joints, bones and muscles healthy – find out easy ways to make a difference

4. Eczema

Going from summer to winter and vice versa can be an issue for some people with eczema. A National Eczema Society report found that seasonal temperature changes were the third most cited cause of flare-ups. Stress ranked first, followed by certain soaps, shampoos and cosmetics.

‘People with atopic eczema tend to have naturally dry skin anyway, and the onset of winter makes this even more difficult to manage,’ says Andrew Proctor, CEO of Eczema UK.

Central heating and reduced outdoor humidity can dry out the skin. Temperature changes between indoors and outdoors can also cause irritation.

‘At this time of year, you’ll often need to apply emollient more often to combat dryness,’ says Andrew. Emollients moisturise skin and protect the natural skin barrier, and some people may choose to use a more moisturising option in winter, such as ointments or a humectant cream.

‘When heading outside, pay particular attention to moisturising sensitive areas of skin like your face and hands, which are exposed and more vulnerable to the weather,’ he says. If your symptoms are worse than usual or your emollients aren't working as needed, see your GP or a healthcare professional for advice.

Tips to help manage eczema in winter

• Placing a bowl of water near radiators can help offset the drying effect of central heating and minimise the impact on your skin.
• Letting fresh air in through the windows each day can help ventilate your home and reduce conditions that encourage mould and dust mites. 
• Hats, scarves and gloves made of scratchy material can irritate skin. Choose soft fabrics that are seam-free. Items directly in contact with your skin should be as close to 100% cotton as you can find.

From skincare and supplements to sleep aids, discover the 7 health products our experts tested and now use every day

5. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and winter low mood

Colder weather, shorter days and spending more time indoors mean it’s not unusual to feel a bit down now and again in winter.

'We’re going out less, we're getting less exercise, things that are so good for your mental health. When you exercise less and you’re outside less, you tend not to sleep as well. All of these things can feed into our mood and energy levels,' says Dr Ward.

A low mood will often get better after a few days or weeks, according to the NHS. If symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, though, you may be affected by depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

SAD is a type of depression which can happen in winter and go away in summer (it can also happen in summer, but this is less common). Symptoms can include a low mood, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness and a lack of interest in things you usually enjoy.

It’s not known exactly what causes SAD, but the NHS says it’s thought to be linked to reduced levels of daylight. If you think you might have SAD or depression, speak to your GP about possible treatments. 

Tips to help manage low mood in winter

• Try to go outside in the daytime each day and get as much natural daylight as you can.
• Make time to exercise regularly, as this releases endorphins that can boost your mood.
• Stay in contact with friends and family to help provide support and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Do you really need a SAD lamp? Get our expert scientist's verdict on whether light therapy really works to boost your mood

6. Headaches and migraines

People who experience migraines or regular headaches may find they're affected by certain seasonal triggers.

Changes in air pressure – for example, when rainy, stormy or snowy weather is on the way – can be a trigger for some. Pressure changes are thought to trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain, which can irritate nerves and lead to a headache, according to the NHS.

Tiredness, stress, alcohol and certain foods can also be potential migraine triggers, according to The Migraine Trust. You may also find you drink less water in winter, which can lead to dehydration, a common trigger.

Keep painkillers or your migraine medication to hand if you know you're affected by winter weather and try to stick to a regular routine as much as possible throughout the colder months.

‘Changes in routine can trigger headaches and migraines in some people, whether that's changing your sleep, exercise or drinking patterns,' says Dr Ward. 'Keeping to your regular sleep and hydration patterns as much as possible may help.'

Tips to help manage headaches and migraines in winter

• Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake.
• Get regular exercise – studies have shown it may help reduce the frequency of migraines. 
• If you're unsure what triggers your headaches or migraines, keeping a diary could help.

Best painkillers: find out what works best for different ailments and whether pricey formulations are really worth it

7. Heart conditions

When you’re cold, your blood vessels constrict to keep you warm, which raises your blood pressure and makes your heart work harder. If you have a heart condition, this extra strain can be harder to manage.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) also notes that cold weather can make your blood thicker and stickier, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, so it's important to watch for signs and symptoms.

‘It's really important to look after yourself and try to stay at your optimal temperature if possible during the winter,’ says Dr Ward.

‘Try and keep your home heated to around 18°C, and if you're going out and about, wrap up and be aware that your body is potentially under a little bit more strain. It's also important to keep taking your medication, and if you have angina, make sure you've always got your GTN spray with you.’

Tips to help manage heart conditions in winter

• Layer up to keep warm and try to heat the room you spend most of your time in to around 18°C or above.
• If you have angina, wearing a face mask or wrapping a scarf loosely around your mouth and nose can warm up the air you breathe in.
• Colder air can make it harder to breathe. The BHF suggests you may want to avoid exercising outdoors when it’s very cold.

How to keep your heart healthy: we explain what works to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and the health myths to ignore. Plus, 8 winter products that will keep you warm – without skyrocketing your energy bill 

How to protect yourself from winter flare-ups

To help yourself stay well in winter:

• Keep the rooms you use regularly heated to at least 18°C and keep your body warm by wrapping up in layers. If you're struggling to afford your heating bills, Gov.uk has information about schemes that could help.  
• Continue regular physical activity where appropriate.
• Protect your skin from cold and dry air.
• Take prescribed medication as directed.
• Consider taking a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement.
• Try to eat a balanced diet to support normal immune function. 
• Avoid known personal triggers.
• Get outside during daylight hours.
• Keep vaccinations up to date where recommended.
• Don't dismiss a significant change in symptoms as simply being due to the weather.
• If you have mobility issues, consider staying indoors on icy days.
• Check in on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.

If your symptoms are getting worse or affecting your day-to-day life, speak to your GP or a health professional. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 111. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999.

How to save on cold and flu medicines this winter: get our tips on the cold and flu products you do and don't need and the best electric blankets