Hot weather in general, and summer especially, can be a testing time for people. Managing the heat and humidity, especially if one lives in the tropics or in coastal locations, can be stressful to some people. Further, there is the need to keep oneself adequately hydrated by consuming a lot of fluids. But most of us manage this well, as it is a recurring affair every year.
But to a small proportion of people, summers and hot weathers are a real challenge. These are people with certain respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Summer or hot weather may aggravate their condition, and adds to the discomfort. Before we provide tips on protecting their lungs, let’s understand the connection between hot weather and lungs.
Hot weather and the lungs
- In hot weather, the body has to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, and this requires a lot of oxygen. In urban areas where pollution is an added problem, the demand for extra oxygen can be a challenge. For people with lung issues, this can cause rapid or heavy breathing.
- In the summers, the heat can trigger some tree or plant species to release pollen, while the humidity can cause mold or fungus formation on some plants, or even building surfaces. Both these irritate the lungs and nasal cavity, and cause coughing or wheezing in people with the above respiratory conditions.
- Allergic rhinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the upper airways. During summers or hot weather, hot air enters the nasal cavity and this can activate the thermal sensors present in the nerves of the voice box and airways. This can cause irritation and coughing in such people.
- Even if one does not have allergic rhinitis, breathing in hot air can cause inflammation of the upper airways along with constriction in them (called broncho-constriction). This can cause shortness of breath as now, not enough oxygen can enter the lungs.
- When the ambient air is very hot, it can trap pollutants , various gases, and ozone. These irritate the nasal cavity and make breathing difficult for such people.
- Hot weather induces sweating and as a result dehydration in all parts of the body including the lungs, nasal cavity and bronchial tubes that bring air to the lungs. As a result, the person experiences shortness of breath.
- Hot air has an ability to hold more water content, as a result, the air becomes more humid. The air has lesser oxygen content and more water vapor now, making it very dense. This dense air is difficult to breathe for people with the above respiratory conditions.
Tips to protect the lungs
Given the nature of the problem, what should people with such respiratory conditions do to protect their lungs in hot weather? Well, there are many tips to be followed both inside the home or workplace, and outdoors.
- Stay indoors: Do not step out of the house or workplace unless it’s absolutely necessary. And if you must, plan the outing in the mornings or evenings, and avoid going out between 11 am and 3 pm which is the hottest time of day.
- Keep the indoors cool: Close the windows and doors but if that makes you feel stuffy, pull the blinds and curtains. These will keep out the heat and keep your home or workplace cool. Use air-conditioners to maintain a steady temperature. But given that most ACs circulate air and are not bringing in fresh air, it’s good to alternate the use of ACs with fans (ceiling, pedestal, table-top or wall-mounted).
- Stay uptodate about weather: If your work requires you to step out often, be aware of the weather forecast for heat waves and pollen count. Plan accordingly.
- Use a hand-fan: Hand-held fans can provide lot of relief when the heat is unbearable and the fans or ACs not working (due to a power cut) or when outdoors. Keep the fan at a distance of 6 inches away from the center of your face for best results. Ensure the fan is clean and is not blowing dust at you.
- Choose the right clothing: Wear loose clothes made of natural fibers like cotton to keep you cool. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and synthetic material as these will trap moisture on your body and trigger fungal growths. Fungal spores are a major irritant for people with respiratory problems. In addition to moisture, heat is also trapped by synthetic material increasing your body temperature, and the risk of dehydration through sweating. Which brings us to the next point …
- Stay hydrated: Since a lot of water is lost through the sweating, it should be replaced by consuming more fluids like plain water, fruit juices, buttermilk, soups and sherbets. It’s good to consume foods rich in water such as cucumber, watermelon, musk melon and mango.
- Eat food as usual: The frequent dehydration can kill appetite, making you avoid food and drink fluids only. This can be risky because in addition to water, the body loses electrolytes through sweating. Consuming food as usual will restore these vital salts to the body.
- A healthy lifestyle: Smoking can irritate the nasal cavity and lungs in people with these conditions. So also, alcohol can cause dehydration. So it’s best to avoid these two as much as possible during hot weather.
- Shower: If you are fighting to stay cool, take a shower whenever you feel like. This can bring down your body temperature and be refreshing.
- Avoid strain: Avoid excessive physical work, or exercise, during hot weathers, especially during the day-time. If you like to exercise every day, choose the evening time, and indoors where fans, ACs or cross-ventilation is keeping the place cool.
- Be prepared: Medical emergencies come unannounced, and for people with these respiratory conditions, the risk is always high during hot weather. Keep a stock of your regular medicines and phone numbers of your doctor(s) handy in the mobile-phone.
- Cover your ears: If you live in a hot and dry location, you are at the risk of hot, dry air entering your ears, causing discomfort. Cover your ears with an ear-muff while stepping outdoors.
- Use sunblock: People who are used to applying sunblock can do so. But check with your doctor about the rating or type of sunblock to be used in hot weathers.
In addition to the above, there may be some tips unique to you or your condition. Consult a pulmonologist at a reputed hospital and he/she will educate you on the same.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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