Protecting Your Lungs This Summer

June 17, 2023 — Health & Safety Tips, Resources

The arrival of summer often catches us off guard, leaving us with little time to adapt to the sudden shift in temperatures. While many people find summer energizing, individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can face breathing challenges in the extreme heat.

The combination of high temperatures and humidity can trigger asthma flare-ups and worsen respiratory illnesses, leading affected individuals to seek medical attention at their local ER in Corpus Christi.

Here are some of the ways you can protect your lungs in hot weather.

How hot weather affects breathing

Extreme heat can create increased pollution and stagnant air, making it difficult to breathe properly. In extreme heat or cold, the body requires extra oxygen to maintain its internal temperature. Scientific research has revealed various effects of hot weather on breathing, including:

• Increased pollen count during the summer can trigger respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath in individuals with asthma, COPD, or allergic rhinitis.
• Hot air can irritate the airways and cause coughing in people with upper airway inflammatory diseases. This irritation is believed to be caused by the activation of thermal sensors in the larynx and upper airways.
• Breathing hot air can cause inflammation in the airways, leading to shortness of breath or bronchoconstriction.

Additionally, hot weather can cause dehydration, leading to dry bronchial tubes, nasal passages, and lungs, resulting in shortness of breath. Research shows that hot air can hold more water vapor than cool air, reducing oxygen levels and increasing humidity. The dense air becomes challenging to breathe for those with chronic lung problems.

Protecting your lungs this summer

To take care of your lungs during extreme summer heat, consider making the following simple changes to your daily routine:

• Stay indoors whenever possible and keep windows and doors closed to maintain a cool indoor environment.
• Check weather updates, temperature, humidity levels, and air quality index before going outside. Avoid going out if there are high pollen levels or other pollutants in the air. If possible, wear a mask to prevent inhalation of pollutants and allergens.
• Plan your activities for cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening, and avoid going out during the hottest period between 11 AM and 3 PM.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to improve breathing and lung function while preventing dehydration.
• Wear loose and light-colored cotton clothing to stay comfortable in the summer heat.
• Avoid strenuous exercises or activities that strain your body, as extreme heat can lead to dehydration. If necessary, seek treatment for dehydration at your nearest 24/7 ER.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming foods with high water content, such as melons, watermelons, cucumbers, and mangoes.
• Cool your body by taking frequent showers and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, scarf, shrug, or carrying an umbrella when outdoors.
• Keep emergency quick relief medications on hand if you have breathing problems, and have the contact details of the nearest 24-hour emergency care facility.

Extreme hot weather during the summer can affect everyone, but those with pre-existing lung conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing health issues. While emergency care is always available at your local Cibolo ER, it’s important to prepare in advance to protect yourself.

If you or a family member experience breathing problems due to extreme summer heat, know that Physicians Premier offers 24-hour services and welcomes walk-in patients.

Sources:

“Tips to Save Yourself from Summer’s Deadly Heat Waves,” American Lung Association, https://www.lung.org/blog/heat-waves
“Why can warm air “hold” more moisture than cold air?” Colorado State University, https://www.lsop.colostate.edu/
“Looking after your lungs in hot weather,” Asthma + Lung UK, https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/hot-weather