As the sun rises and the hot season starts, the summer heat waves and hot weather can affect almost everybody. However, if you have a long-term lung disease — like asthma, you might just need to take extra precautions.
Heat and shortness of breath are accompanied by each other, especially during spring and summer. During these days, people with asthma and other lung diseases can experience flare-ups. The sun’s light and rays can help with the increase of ozone and air pollutants in the surroundings — which can trigger your asthma symptoms. Aside from that, humid and dry air can also cause other breathing problems or make them worse.
That’s why we at Home Healthcare Online, recommend individuals read this post and consider it as a guide.
Asthma Hot Weather Tips
How The Hot Weather Affects Your Breathing
There are a lot of reasons why people experience shortness of breath in heat or during the hot season. From the dry and stagnant air to the increase in the level of air pollutants present in the surroundings, chest heaviness in humid weather can become a common thing. Our body requires oxygen, especially during hot weather to maintain our internal temperature to help us breathe normally. The hot weather can affect our breathing in many ways such as:
- In the summer, the pollen present in the air increases, which can help trigger the symptoms of asthma or other respiratory allergies. People with asthma or hay fever may experience wheezing, severe coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Hot air also irritates our airways which causes attacks in individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma. Because of the heat, the thermal sensors in our larynx and upper airways are activated.
- One research also states that dry and hot air can inflame an individual’s airways which causes them to contract and trigger shortness of breath.
- When summertime comes, we tend to sweat a lot which can cause dehydration. This can help dry out our nasal passage and airways which also causes shortness of breath.
- The hot and humid air also holds more vapour which results in lesser content of oxygen in the air. Dense air can be hard to breathe in, especially for people with lung diseases and other chronic respiratory problems.
How To Take Care Of Your Lungs In Hot Weather
Most people, especially those who suffer from certain respiratory diseases, can experience attacks during the hot season. However, some people may find humid air more enjoyable and beneficial. So, to help you take care of your lungs once the hot season comes, here are some tips to help you:
Stay Indoors
If possible, stay inside your house if you can. During this season, pollen and other types of triggers can easily cause asthma flare-ups.
Keep Tabs On Daily Weather Conditions
Always watch or read the news regarding weather conditions during the day before you go out. It’s best to stay inside the house if the level of pollen in the air is high. This pollen can combine with the dry air and humidity which can cause asthma attacks.
Always Plan Your Day
It’s best to avoid going out in the sun during peak hours (from 11 am to 3 pm). Plan your activities when the sun isn’t present.
Choose The Right Clothing
Asthma and hot weather are two things that are linked together, especially in the summer. So, to avoid asthma attacks or other flare-ups, make sure to choose the right type of clothing before going out of the house. Light-coloured and cotton clothes are best during summertime.
Hot weather can affect your breathing in many ways, especially if you are suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma. That’s why we at Home Healthcare Online highly recommend individuals always be prepared during this season. And if you need extra precautions to avoid asthma attacks, we recommend the use of asthma spacers. For more information, please visit our site at Home Healthcare Online.
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