Cold and cough management: Why environmental and lifestyle data matters?

Experts explain how pharmacists can leverage environmental and lifestyle data to provide more comprehensive advice to patients for effective management of cold and cough symptoms

As local GP services face increasing pressure, the role of pharmacists in managing minor ailments such as cold and cough has become more crucial than ever.

Considering environmental and lifestyle factors, such as pollution levels, pollen counts, smoking, and diet, is essential for the effective management of respiratory conditions.

In this article, experts explain how pharmacists can leverage these factors to provide more comprehensive advice to patients for managing cold and cough symptoms.

Dr Roger Henderson, GP and spokesperson for Olbas, says: “Environmental factors play a critical role in the exacerbation and management of respiratory conditions. For example, high pollution levels can aggravate cold and cough symptoms, particularly in areas where air quality can drastically fluctuate.

“By assessing real-time pollution data, pharmacists can advise patients to take precautions on days when pollution levels are high.”

Air pollution is well known to increase the risk of certain respiratory diseases.

Dr. Henderson explains that this is especially true with particulate pollen, which can penetrate the respiratory system when inhaled.

“Air pollution also makes individuals more vulnerable to infectious respiratory diseases, including colds, due to the effect of pollution on the body’s immune response,” he adds.

Moreover, the severity of hay fever is directly affected by the levels of atmospheric pollen.

Dr. Henderson believes that pharmacists, being deeply rooted in their communities, are ideally positioned to raise public awareness about the health threats posed by air pollution and pollen counts and support them in mitigating the risks.

He notes that simple advice such as pollen avoidance, the use of nasal sprays and masks, and hygiene tips can improve both outcome and patient satisfaction when given by pharmacists.

He expounds: “Patients with hay fever can be optimally advised about symptom prevention by community pharmacists if pollen level alerts are known in advance or if they suddenly spike.

“Patients with respiratory conditions such as COPD can also be given advice as to how to step up their preventive treatments if it’s known that atmospheric pollution is about to increase, along with a deterioration in air quality.”

Dr. Henderson underscores the importance of a holistic approach to patient care: “Taking a holistic approach with a patient provides the best chance of that patient obtaining the best advice to improve their health.”

He encourages pharmacists to consider a patient’s smoking history and nutritional status when managing cold and cough symptoms.

“Anyone presenting with a cough or cold should be asked about their smoking history and nutrition as they may be more likely to be at risk of minor ailments if their lifestyle or economic status means they are malnourished,” he says.

Rachel Anthony, Olbas Brand Manager, points out that with the mounting pressure on local GP services, pharmacists are relied on more than ever and are positioned to offer more personalised advice to patients in managing cough and cold symptoms.

She stresses that integrating environmental data such as pollution levels and pollen counts, along with lifestyle factors like smoking and diet, can significantly enhance the quality of care provided.

Rachel also highlights the importance of equipping pharmacies with a robust supply of trusted OTC brands, especially during peak cold and flu seasons.

“By monitoring environmental data and considering patients' lifestyle factors, pharmacists can be better equipped for an uplift in demand for cold and flu remedies,” she says.

To further enhance patient care, Rachel advocates for offering a diverse range of products and formats.

“Ensuring to offer a mix of products and formats will also ensure pharmacists meet the demand from cold and flu symptoms.

“Offering ‘on-the-go’ solutions also provides a convenient remedy for consumers, allowing them to alleviate their symptoms with ease.”

The Olbas Inhaler, for example, provides an instant, portable remedy for nasal congestion, perfect for quick relief on the move,” she adds.

Olbas products are distributed by Lanes Health, a family-owned business based in Gloucester.

Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, Senior Brand Manager at Jakemans, also stresses that integrating environmental data such as pollution levels and pollen counts, can significantly enhance the advice pharmacists provide for managing cold and cough symptoms.

“Poor air quality and high pollen counts can exacerbate respiratory symptoms like coughing which leads to sore throats. By monitoring these factors, pharmacists can offer more personalised advice,” she notes.

Elizabeth also emphasises the importance of keeping updated on the latest innovative platforms, like Google Maps new feature which tracks air quality and pollen information. “This can help pharmacists better understand the environmental conditions affecting their patients and tailor their advice accordingly,” she says.

She encourages pharmacists to suggest preventive measures that align with current consumer trends and address common cold and cough symptoms.

Elizabeth points out that, with 80 per cent of people having experienced a cough and 72 per cent a sore throat in the past year, it’s essential to stock a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, particularly throat lozenges.