New Delhi: One of the biggest yet under-recognised health challenges during winter is poor indoor air quality. As doors and windows remain closed to keep out the cold, fine particulate matter gets trapped indoors. Common sources include cooking fumes, room heaters, incense sticks, agarbatti, mosquito repellents, and even scented candles. In many urban homes, indoor pollution levels can at times rival or even exceed outdoor smog.
Dr Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, in an interaction with News9Live, explained how going sedentary during winter can backfire.
Impact on Lung and Heart Conditions
For individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or existing heart conditions, this polluted air can significantly worsen symptoms. Increased exposure often leads to breathlessness, persistent cough, chest tightness, and a higher risk of disease exacerbations.
Increased Risk of Infections and Cardiac Strain
Reduced ventilation also allows viruses and bacteria to circulate for longer periods indoors. This partly explains the spike in respiratory infections seen duringthe winter months. Even mild infections can place additional strain on the heart by increasing oxygen demand and cardiac workload, potentially triggering episodes of heart failure or arrhythmias in vulnerable individuals.
Sedentary Indoor Living and Its Consequences
Another silent contributor is sedentary indoor living. Cold weather discourages outdoor activity, leading to a reduction in physical activity. This results in poorer lung expansion, sluggish circulation, weight gain, and worsening control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Physical inactivity is a well-established risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and declining lung function.
Heating Practices That Increase Exposure Risks
Heating practices further add to the risk. The use of coal, wood, or poorly ventilated gas heaters increases exposure to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. These gases reduce oxygen delivery to tissues and place added strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Changes in Breathing Patterns During Winter
Winter also alters normal breathing patterns. Cold, dry air promotes airway narrowing, while inadequate hydration thickens airway secretions, making breathing less efficient.
Adapting Wisely to Stay Healthy in Winter
The solution is not to fear winter, but to adapt wisely. Ensuring regular ventilation even for short intervals, using cleaner heating options, employing air purifiers when needed, staying physically active indoors,s and maintaining adequate hydration can make a meaningful difference. High-risk individuals should remain especially alert to symptom changes and strictly adhere to prescribed medications to prevent complications.
Dr. Naveen Prakash Gupta, Senior Consultant- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, too, shared his take on the same.
Indoor Living During Cold Waves and Its Health Impact
As temperatures drop during cold waves, most people naturally retreat indoors, sealing windows, reducing ventilation, and relying heavily on heaters or room warmers. While these habits offer comfort, prolonged indoor living during winter can quietly impact both lung and heart health.
Poor Ventilation and Rising Indoor Pollutants
Poor ventilation leads to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants such as dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, and fumes from heaters or cooking. For individuals with asthma, COPD, or allergies, this can trigger breathlessness, wheezing, a persistent cough, and frequent respiratory infections. Even healthy individuals may experience throat irritation, sinus congestion, or reduced lung efficiency over time.
Cold Weather, Blood Pressure, and Cardiac Risk
Cold weather also causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and placing extra strain on the heart. When combined with physical inactivity, heavier diets, and reduced sunlight exposure, the risk of heart attacks and strokes rises significantly during the winter months. Studies have shown that cardiac events are more common during cold spells, particularly among the elderly and those with existing heart conditions.
Reduced Physical Activity and Its Consequences
Indoor confinement further limits physical movement. Reduced activity weakens cardiovascular fitness, slows metabolism, and contributes to weight gain, all of which negatively affect heart health. Additionally, inadequate exposure to sunlight lowers vitamin D levels, which are increasingly linked to poor immunity and higher cardiovascular risk.
Practical Steps to Protect Lung and Heart Health
To protect health during cold waves, maintaining ventilation is crucial. Opening windows for short intervals, avoiding unvented heaters, and keeping indoor spaces dry can improve air quality. Regular light exercise indoors, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet rich in fruits and warm fluids help support circulation and lung function. Winter comfort should not come at the cost of health. Small lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in protecting both the heart and lungs during prolonged cold spells.
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