After a long, cold, wet winter it’s lovely to get some long-awaited summer sunshine and the hotter temperatures it brings.
At least it is for most people, but for some the hotter weather brings its own challenges connected to their health and wellbeing. One such group is people with a long-term lung condition, such as asthma, bronchiectasis or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
If you have any of these conditions, or others that can make breathing difficult, you will know that hot weather can cause your symptoms to flare up and leave you feeling worn out and breathless. It could be because you’re too hot and dehydrated or because strong sunshine causes levels of ozone in the air to rise.
High ozone levels and other air pollutants (which linger on hot, still days) can cause breathing problems or trigger symptoms, while higher humidity can also make breathing problems worse. High pollen levels in the air can also irritate sensitive airways, leaving you coughing, wheezing and short of breath.
For expert advice and top tips on how to cope with increased breathlessness in hot weather, visit the British Lung Foundation website, which is packed with information on a wide range of lung-related conditions. Here are some of the BLF’s tips on looking after your lungs in hot weather:
- Keep an eye on the five-day weather forecast, including pollen levels, so you can be prepared if a heatwave is on the way. You can also check air pollution levels in your area for the next five days by clicking here.
- Avoid the heat by staying indoors during the hottest part of the day (normally from late morning to late afternoon). If you have to go out, try to do it in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler and the air quality is better, then keep in the shade and avoid busy areas where pollution could be worse.
- Avoid being in the sun for long stretches. Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you’re out in the sun, while sunglasses (especially wraparound ones) will help stop pollen getting in your eyes. Some medications for lung conditions can make you more sensitive to sunlight – check with your doctor.
- Take the essentials with you if you have to go out, including any medication you might need, plenty of water and a portable fan.
- Exercise sensibly and don’t get overheated. Exercise has lots of benefits if you have a lung condition, but you should adjust your routine accordingly in hot weather and don’t overdo it. Find a cool, well-ventilated place to exercise and if you are active outdoors, avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Drink plenty of cold water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. A little and often is best to keep you hydrated. Avoid drinks with caffeine or those high in sugar, as they can make you more dehydrated. Alcohol has a similar effect. If in doubt, plain water is best.
- Keep your house cool by closing blinds or curtains on windows when the sun is on them and closing windows to keep the cool air in if it’s hotter outside. When it’s cooler outside, such as during the night, open your windows to let the cool air in (while keeping security in mind).
- An electric fan can help keep you cool in the home, especially if your bedroom is hot at night. Remember to keep it clean so it isn’t blowing dust around. You can also take a handheld fan with you if you go out – many shops sell small but effective battery powered models.
- If you feel overheated, take a cool bath or shower or splash yourself with cold water. You could fill a clean spray bottle with cold water to spray yourself with a refreshing fine mist.
- Try to eat as normal, even if you don’t feel hungry in the hotter weather. You need a normal diet to replace salt lost through perspiration. Salads and fruit are good in hot weather because they contain a lot of water, helping keep you hydrated.
- Finally, look out for others who might struggle in hot weather, especially if they live alone and might struggle to get out.
If you experience real problems during a hot spell and the above tips don’t help enough, consult your doctor or other health professional. One place where breathlessness can be a significant problem is on the stairs, but an Acorn Stairlift can remove that problem at a stroke, allowing you to go up and downstairs in comfort and safety whenever you like. For more details on how an Acorn Stairlift could improve your quality of life every day, give us a call on 0800 016 9760.