Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cases are rising, largely due to pollution. For those with pre-existing COPD, exposure to toxic air can further worsen the condition, often triggering flare-ups that make breathing difficult and disrupt daily life.HT Lifestyle reached out to Dr Pujan Parikh, Consultant, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, who cautioned that winters can be particularly challenging for people with COPD and advised taking proactive measures to protect lung health. COPD incidences can increase during the winter. (Picture credit: Freepik) ALSO READ: Mumbai pulmonologist shares 9 tips to prevent COPD, world’s 4th leading cause of death, amid rising pollution He urged patients to take precautions, noting that winter is ‘one of the worst seasons for patients’ with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The pulmonologist further added, “The cold temperature, along with high levels of air pollution, can trigger the symptoms of COPD and make regular day-to-day activities hard to carry out. It also raises the chances of acute exacerbations. This can be better taken care of by understanding …