Respiratory - Looking after your Lungs in hot weather

If you’re living with a lung condition, high temperatures can bring problems with breathing and flare-ups. You should be aware of things you can do in hot weather to keep well.

During a hot spell strong sunlight causes chemical reactions with pollutants in the air. This means the level of ozone rises. High levels of ozone can cause breathing problems, irritate your nose and throat, cause coughing and wheezing, and trigger symptoms if you have asthma or COPD.

During a heat wave extreme heat can force your body into overdrive as it tries to stay cool. You start to perspire, and you can become dehydrated and overheat.

This can make you feel more breathless and make your lung condition feel worse. If a heatwave is forecast, plan your day so that you can stay out of the heat. Avoid going outside during the hottest time of day, which is normally between 11am and 3pm.

Make sure you have enough medication at home. If you haven’t, contact your GP practice to get more. You should also talk to your health care professional about having a written plan, so you know what to do if you feel unwell.

Here are our top tips for looking after yourself in a heatwave

Avoid the heat

stay out of the sun and don’t go outside between 11am and 3pm. If you must go out, or have things to do, try planning your day to do them in the cooler parts of the day.

Keep out of the sun

If you do need to go out during the day, avoid being in the sun for long stretches, and wear loose, cool clothing and a hat. Be particularly careful if you are taking Doxycycline (antibiotic) as this can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Pack a bag of essentials

Take a bag of essentials with you such as any medication that you might need, plenty of water and a fan.

Reduce strenuous activity

Reduce or avoid strenuous activity in the heat (indoors and outdoors). Limit activities like housework and gardening to the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. The benefits of exercise are great if you have a lung condition, so make sure you exercise indoors in a cool, well-ventilated room or gym instead.

Drink cold water

Drink cold water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, which makes you pee more and causes you to dehydrate.

Keep your house cool

Try to keep your house cool. Closing blinds or curtains can help. Keep the windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. If it is safe to do so, open windows at night when the air is cooler.

Take cool baths or showers

Take cool baths or showers or splash yourself with cool water.

Use a handheld fan

Try using a handheld fan and let the cool air blow towards the middle part of your face. Hold it about six inches from your face. You may also find a floor standing fan or desktop fan helps. Do not have the fan blowing directly into your face, as this may cause you to inhale dust.

Eat as normal

Try to eat as you normally would - even if you aren’t hungry. You need a normal diet to replace salt losses from sweating. In addition, try to have more cold foods, particularly salads and fruit, as these contain a lot of water.

Dehydration and overheating

Extreme heat and dry conditions can cause you to dehydrate and your body to overheat.

It’s important to eat a balanced diet to help your body replace any salt you lose by sweating. Aim to drink 6–8 glasses of liquid a day, and more if it’s hot.
 
You may also need to be careful if you’re taking some types of medication that affect water retention. Speak to your GP if you’re concerned.

Watch out for certain signs - particularly for muscle cramps in your arms, legs or stomach, mild confusion, weakness, or sleep problems. If you have any of these, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids.

Seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Contact information

Email address is castteam@nca.nhs.uk

Contact no: 0161 206 3165

Further information can be found at www.blf.org.uk