A top doctor has warned people with breathing difficulties to take extra care in the cold snap, as admissions increase at a specialist clinic in Southampton.

The freezing temperatures have meant more people have had to be admitted to Southampton General Hospital’s respiratory centre.

Dr Ben Marshall, a specialist in respiratory medicine at the hospital, said: “Cold periods during winter are a particularly dangerous time for the elderly population and those with chronic respiratory problems.

“Cold air increases the effects of bronchospasm (narrowing of the bronchial tubes) in patients with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseas.”

Respiratory patients should stay warm and only venture out if necessary.