Op-Ed: Your lungs matter—don’t wait to act

In winter, with an increase in respiratory-related illnesses and hospitalisations, Carmel McInerney, Respiratory Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Ennis Hospital, outlines the supports available in the Mid West to help people stay healthy and active and prevent avoidable hospital admissions during the chilly season.

WINTER in the Mid West brings crisp air, festive gatherings—and unfortunately, a rise in respiratory illnesses. As a Respiratory ANP working in Ennis, there is no exception to the regional rule. I see the impact every day: flare-ups of asthma and COPD, viral infections, and avoidable hospital admissions. Last winter, over 1,200 respiratory-related hospital visits were recorded in the Mid West region, many of which could have been prevented with early action.

The good news? There are simple steps we can all take to protect our lungs and stay well this season.

1. Vaccination Is Your First Line of Defence

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent serious illness. If you have a chronic lung condition, these vaccines are essential.

Where to go in the Mid West: Your GP and pharmacies across the county also offer flu and COVID vaccines.

Use the HSE vaccine finder at Find a vaccine location in Ireland - HSE.ie on the HSE website to locate your nearest clinic.

2. Know Your Triggers

Cold air, damp conditions, and indoor allergens can worsen symptoms. A simple scarf over your mouth and nose outdoors helps warm the air you breathe. Indoors, keep rooms ventilated. You should also avoid drying clothes on radiators to avoid the risk of humidity and mould.

3. Stay on Top of Medication

Check that inhalers and prescriptions are up to date. If you’re unsure about your inhaler technique, ask your pharmacist or GP for a quick review—it makes a big difference.

4. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Persistent cough, breathlessness, or wheezing should never be dismissed. Early intervention prevents complications.

Local support: GP Access Respiratory Clinics in Clare provide timely care and pulmonary rehab referrals. Ask your GP about the Mid-West Integrated Care Respiratory Programme.

5. Quit Smoking—Support Is Here

Stopping smoking is the single most effective step for lung health. HSE QUIT Mid West is your free, local QUIT service, giving you a tailored plan with constant support. From setting a QUIT date until you are 12 months smoke free, QUIT Mid West offers in-person, telephone / telehealth support and free NRT if you sign up to the programme. You will have a ‘Stop Smoking’ advisor to guide you on the QUIT journey. Contact QUIT Mid West 065 6865841 or email quit.midwest@hse.ie

If you live in Limerick city and want to stop smoking, We Can Quit is a free, 10 week stop smoking group programme and is peer-led. Contact Mariola on 061 419 388, 087 4952 484 or email: mjurgas@limerickcitypartnership.ie

HSE Quit services are free and available all year round. Use any combination of the following options:

• Online-personalised Quit plan
• Text 50100 or contact Freephone Quitline 1800 201 203
• A free Quit Kit to help you prepare
• Advice on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and stop smoking medication
• Daily tips and peer support on the You Can Quit Facebook page.

6. Support for Chronic Conditions

If you live with COPD, asthma, or another chronic illness, the Living Well Programme offers free six-week courses to help you manage symptoms and improve quality of life. For information on Living Well programmes coming up in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, visit the HSE website at this link or type HSE Living Well Programme into your search engine.

7. Keep Moving – Exercise Matters

Regular physical activity helps keep your lungs strong and improves overall wellbeing. Even gentle exercise like walking indoors or outdoors can boost circulation and reduce breathlessness. Aim for 20–30 minutes most days, and if you have a chronic condition, consult your healthcare provider for safe options. During bad weather, you can exercise indoors, if possible, as lack of exercise can worsen your COPD symptoms. Ask your GP or respiratory team to refer you to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the Integrated Care Hubs in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. It consists of an 8-week group program with two exercise sessions a week. A team of healthcare professionals will teach and help you to exercise safely and manage your COPD better

Support in the Community

When you suffer with a chronic lung condition, social connection is of utmost importance.  Local COPD support groups are running weekly exercise classes across the Mid-West Region. These groups aim to motivate, engage and support people with COPD through peer support and care. To get information on your local support group, check out COPD Support Ireland’s website at copd.ie or email support@copd.ie

A Call to Action

This winter, let’s make respiratory health a priority in the Mid West. Vaccinate, manage your medication, and seek help early if symptoms arise. Small actions can prevent big problems, and keep you breathing easier through the season.