Keep Your Lungs Healthy in the Summer

There is nothing better than enjoying the pleasant summer weather while spending the day outside. It’s crucial to remember how your lungs and breathing work as the temperatures continue to increase. Learn about the impact of heat on those with chronic lung illnesses, such as asthma or COPD, and how to be safe throughout the summer months by reading on. Keeping your lungs healthy in the summer is essential to maintain overall well-being, especially with the increase in air pollution and allergens during the warmer months. Drinking lots of water is crucial for maintaining proper hydration since it keeps the airways wet and lowers the chance of inflammation. Limiting your exposure to pollutants, such as cigarette smoke or vehicle exhaust, and wearing a mask in places with poor air quality can help protect your lungs.

Regular exercise like swimming or walking, can strengthen your lungs and improve breathing, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Dr. Sheetu Singh, a renowned expert in respiratory health, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to keep your lungs healthy during the summer months. She suggests drinking plenty of water since it keeps the airways wet and avoids dryness or discomfort.

Dr. Sheetu Singh also highlights the need for avoiding exposure to airborne pollutants, such as dust, car exhaust, and smoke, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions. She advises monitoring pollen levels and avoiding outside activities during allergy season to help people with asthma or allergies. It is essential to do modest physical activity, such as walking during cooler hours, in order to increase lung capacity without going beyond.

Cough Specialist, Chest Specialist, Sleep Apnea Specialist, Asthma Specialist, Lung Specialist

Things to Consider 

For people with chronic lung diseases like asthma or COPD, maintaining lung health during the heat is crucial since heat can exacerbate symptoms. Here are some things to consider when thinking about summer heat:

• High Levels of Ozone: Asthma development is associated with prolonged exposure to ozone. Summertime ozone levels are higher because pollutants react to heat. For people who have asthma, this is bad news because it can irritate and trigger their lungs. 
• Dehydration: Water keeps the lung tissue and bronchial tubes moist, so a lack of water makes breathing more difficult.
• Humidity: Denser air may demand more effort and make breathing more challenging. Asthma or COPD symptoms frequently increase and flare up when your body has to work harder to stay cool.

What To Do 

You may still enjoy the weather even when the heat isn’t good for your lungs. The following advice will help you maintain the health of your lungs during the summer:

• Use Your Medications: To help your lungs cope with the weather, your doctor may prescribe medicine. By reducing inflammation, several drugs can strengthen your lungs’ resistance to heat. Discuss with your physician what medications they can recommend to help. 
• Make Changes to Adapt: The smallest adjustments can occasionally have the greatest impact. Wearing warm clothing and covering your mouth and nose might be very beneficial if you’re coming inside from the heat to the air conditioning. By doing this, the air you will take in will become warmer and more humid, preventing your lungs from experiencing a significant fluctuation in temperature. 
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the summer to avoid the negative effects of dehydration discussed previously.
• Listen to your Body: It’s important to pay attention to your body on a daily basis because certain days may be easier for your lungs than others. Stay inside and take it easy if your symptoms are becoming worse and you’re having trouble breathing. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Strategically Plan Your Day: Plan your day around the hottest hours by consulting the forecast. Steer clear of the outdoors at those times, and if you are, try to remain in the shade. The hottest time of the day is usually between 11am to 3 pm, so go out before or after then to avoid extreme heat.

FAQs

How can I protect my lungs from pollution?

Wear a mask, stay indoors during periods of high pollution, and monitor air quality reports.

What should I drink for healthy lungs in summer?

Drink plenty of water and include hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumber.

How can I strengthen my lungs in summer?

During the cooler hours of the day, take part in moderate physical activity such as swimming or walking.

Can summer allergies affect my lungs?

Yes, pollen and dust can trigger respiratory issues. Stay indoors on high pollen days and use air purifiers.

How does indoor air quality affect lung health?

Lung irritation can result from poor indoor air quality. Maintain a clean and well-ventilated environment by using air purifiers.