If you have a hard time breathing due to asthma or allergies, you know how much the seasons can affect your quality of life, for better or worse. Any extreme change in temperature or humidity, or a dramatic shift to very hot or very cold conditions, can trigger a flare-up. And as anyone with asthma or allergies can tell you, respiratory health can have a major impact on overall health and wellbeing.
As summer temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent and intense, many people find themselves struggling with more than just the discomfort of extreme heat.
Hindustan Times reports, “Globally, asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases that affects 300 million people across the world and is expected to increase by 100 million by 2025. Exposure to triggers like outdoor pollution, viruses, pollen, and other environmental factors increases the risk of new-onset asthma and asthma-related outcomes.”
For those with allergies and asthma, hot summer weather can significantly worsen symptoms, leading to more sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Understanding the link between heat waves and respiratory health is essential, especially as climate change continues to make extreme heat events more common.
Fortunately, by taking proactive measures to monitor air quality, stay hydrated, and follow medical advice, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively and enjoy the summer months more comfortably. Read on to learn more.
The impact of heatwaves on allergies and asthma
There’s a reason summer’s heat has such a major impact on your respiratory health.
Recent news from Healio reported that a hot weather event even landed some asthma sufferers in the hospital: “High heat events and extreme temperatures that lasted several days showed an increase in asthma-related hospital visits.”
The report continues, “Extreme daytime heat events were associated with higher odds of children’s asthma-related hospital visits. Longer durations of the heat events doubled the risk of a hospital visit.”
Below, we go over some of the various reasons that allergies and asthma can be impacted by heat waves.
• Increased pollen production
During heatwaves, the temperature rise stimulates plants to produce and release more pollen. Common allergenic plants such as ragweed, grasses, and trees respond to hot weather by increasing pollen output. As a result, people with allergies experience more severe symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes.
Maple Ridge News reports, “As B.C. goes into spring and the middle of summer, grass pollen is the typical allergen. That’s compared to tree pollen in the winter and spring and weed pollen in the late summer and early fall.”
For people with asthma, inhaling large amounts of pollen can trigger asthma attacks and make lung disease even worse.
• Extended allergy seasons
Climate change contributes to longer growing seasons for many plants, prolonging exposure to pollen for allergy sufferers. As the earth warms, resulting in hot summers and mild winters, the weather allows plants to start pollinating earlier and continue later into the season.
As the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America puts it, “Climate change (an extended change in weather patterns) affects health. With increasing temperatures and more severe storms, people with asthma are at higher risk of weather-triggering asthma flares. Studies suggest climate change can cause asthma as well.”
An extended period of high pollen levels means that people with allergies can endure symptoms for longer, making it that much harder to get relief.
• Increased air pollution
Heatwaves often coincide with higher levels of air pollution, particularly ground-level ozone. This type of pollution is formed when pollutants from vehicles, factories, and other sources react with sunlight.
Ozone can irritate the airways, causing increased respiratory symptoms and asthma attacks. People with lung disease are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of this type of pollution. If air quality is poor, it can worsen lung condition and reduce lung function, so it’s best to stay inside on days that have bad pollution levels.
• Wildfire smoke
In regions prone to wildfires, summer’s hot weather increases the likelihood of fires breaking out.
Smoke from wildfires contains a mixture of fine particulate matter and gasses that can worsen allergies and asthma. These tiny particles penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and triggering respiratory diseases.
During a heatwave, the combination of high temperatures and wildfire smoke creates a hazardous environment for those with respiratory conditions. If a wildfire breaks out in your area, it’s essential to abide by evacuation procedures and warnings issued by local authorities.
How extreme heat affects the body
The air quality due to pollen and pollution isn’t the only way summertime’s heat waves can negatively impact the body. There are various other ways people can suffer due to extreme heat, especially if they have pre-existing lung issues like allergies and asthma. Believe it or not, it can even affect your mental health. Humid weather can even make things worse by causing a narrowing of the air passages which can further limit airflow.
• Dehydration
High temperatures during heat waves can lead to dehydration, which thickens mucus in the airways and makes breathing more difficult. Dehydration can also reduce the effectiveness of asthma medications, leading to more frequent or severe symptoms.
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining respiratory health in hot weather and all year round.
• Heat stress
Extreme heat puts additional stress on the body, which can worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma. In addition, heat stress increases respiration rates, causing more allergens and pollutants to be inhaled into the lungs. This heightened exposure can trigger asthma attacks and intensify allergy symptoms.
• Enhanced inflammatory response
Hot weather can amplify the body’s inflammatory response. For those with allergic rhinitis or asthma, this means the immune systems may overreact to allergens, resulting in more severe symptoms. Heat-induced inflammation makes the airways more sensitive and prone to constriction, causing breathing difficulties.
Protective measures against heat-induced respiratory issues
Wondering what you can do to mitigate the effects of heat-induced respiratory issues? Luckily, there are several precautions you can take to avoid worsening your respiratory health during the hot summer months.
• Monitor air quality
Regularly check local air quality reports, especially during heatwaves. Numerous apps and websites provide real-time data on pollen counts and pollution levels. When they are elevated, it’s best to avoid outdoor activities to reduce exposure to allergens and pollutants.
• Stay indoors during peak hours
Pollen levels are typically highest in the early morning and late afternoon. During extreme heat, it’s best to stay indoors and keep windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home.
Using air conditioning can help filter out allergens and maintain a cool indoor environment, and you may also want to invest in a high-quality air purification system to filter out even more. Make sure pet dander and overall house hygiene are considered as well if you’re going to stay inside with doors and windows closed.
• Hydrate well
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which helps thin mucus in the airways and improves respiratory function. Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration, as can alcohol.
• Follow medication protocols
Adhere to your doctor’s orders on prescribed medications for managing allergies and asthma. This includes using inhalers, antihistamines, and nasal sprays. It’s important to be proactive in managing symptoms, especially during hot summer weather.
If you’re on drugs like Trelegy, Advair, or Breo Ellipta, make sure your prescriptions are up to date and ready to be refilled when you need them as you enter the summer months. You don’t want to be without these necessary medications when you’re hit with an asthma or allergy attack.
• Create a clean indoor environment
Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity levels, which can minimize mold growth and dust mites. Regularly clean your home to remove dust and other allergens, and consider using air purifiers to maintain good indoor air quality.
Changing your sheets, vacuuming, and dusting regularly can work wonders. Don’t let dirt or uncleanliness build up anywhere in your home, because your lungs will feel it.
• Wear protective masks when necessary
On days with high pollen counts or poor air quality, if you must be outside, wearing a mask can help filter out harmful particles and allergens. Masks designed to filter out fine particles (like N95 masks) are particularly effective.
Lastly, remember to always consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
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