During the summertime, you may want to spend your free time outdoors because of the warm sunshine and beautiful scenery. For many people with respiratory problems, this is not possible because of the humidity, heat, and pollen levels. Those factors can make it difficult to breathe for many individuals, so we are sharing the four dos and don’ts of managing your respiratory problems in warm weather.
1. Do: Keep Cool
On hot, humid days or days when there are elevated levels of pollutants, stay indoors. You should make sure the place you are in has air conditioning and clean air, free of tobacco smoke or strong smells. If your house does not have air conditioning, try moving to a public location like a library. When you are exposed to elevated levels of heat, your body must work harder to keep cool and eventually, this can affect your breathing.
2. Don’t: Overexert Yourself
Substantial exercise in the sun can cause shortness of breath. Whether you are gardening, biking, or walking, do not overexert yourself. Limiting your exercise and activities to the early morning or evening allows you to work safely and keeps you cool. Instead of working out in excessive temperatures, stay inside for your exercise so you can manage your respiratory problems.
3. Do: Drink Cold Water
It is important to stay hydrated, especially on a sweltering day. You want to have plenty of water and drink regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Try putting a couple of water bottles in the freezer the night before a hot day, this will allow you to have refreshing sips all day. Avoid drinks like soda, tea, and coffee because they are high in sugar so they will dehydrate you. Avoiding alcohol is also important because it makes you urinate more, dehydrating you.
4. Do: Check the Weather Report and Pollen Levels
It is an excellent idea to set up alerts for hot weather. This will allow you to know when it is supposed to be hot, and it will prepare you for your upcoming activities. Pollen and pollution levels can combine with high heat and increase your risk of a flare-up. You can check air pollution levels in your area, so you are prepared to stay indoors if needed.
Everybody wants to be outdoors during the summer, enjoying the beautiful weather, however, it is important to plan for blistering days and to know how to manage them. We hope these four tips gave you some ideas on how to prepare for the coming months. If you have any questions, visit our website or contact us.