Summer is a wonderful time of year. Most people love the family vacations, relaxation, and change of scenery. But sometimes the things that we love do not always love us back, especially when a chronic condition is part of the mix.
Extreme heat and humidity (especially temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause increased symptoms of lung disease. Inhaling the hot, humid air can irritate already inflamed airways. While we can’t control the weather, we do have some control over our surroundings. If you are planning a vacation this summer, check the temperature and humidity of your destination. If possible, make plans to visit areas where the heat and humidity are not so extreme. If it is unavoidable, or you live in a hot area, plan outings where you can take advantage of cooler indoor activities such as museums or aquariums. Maybe catch a movie or a play with the family indoors instead of taking a walk in the park.
If your activities require you to be outside, try to plan around the heat and don’t overexert yourself. Make morning or evening plans, avoiding the peak heat of the afternoon. You can also help prepare your body for the heat by drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated. Dressing for your environment is also important. Wear lightweight, looser fitting clothing to stay cooler, and of course, wear sunscreen!
The heat is not the only thing that can cause breathing concerns in summer. While spending time outdoors, the smoke from summer activities like bonfires and fireworks can be a concern. The smoke created from fireworks can trigger symptoms and, in some cases, increase the need for rescue medications. In the past, fireworks have been reserved for celebrations around July 4th, but that is not the case anymore. Where I live, our local baseball team has fireworks every Friday during the summer. There is always a big turnout to watch the display. Lung disease does not mean that you cannot enjoy a good fireworks display, but it does mean that you need to take steps to make sure that you stay healthy.
If you are planning to enjoy fireworks this summer, try and sit in a place that is not downwind. And make sure that you don’t get too close to the smoke. If you are worried about being outside, it may be possible to still watch the show from your car or other enclosed location. Wearing a mask may help protect against pollutants. Similarly, if you are enjoying a good campfire, a mask may help avoid smoke. Don’t forget the s’mores!
When enjoying time with your family and friends this summer, make sure that you are aware of your body and how you are feeling. Listen to your body and the cues that it is giving you to rest, go inside, or change activities. As we talked about last month, sometimes flare-ups happen slowly and sometimes they come on quickly. Paying attention to how you feel each day, how you are breathing, and what symptoms you are having, and using tools such as My COPD Action Plan, may help prevent an emergency. And always, make sure that you have quick access to your fast-acting inhalers, if needed.
What are some ways that you stay healthy during the summer months? Let’s chat.