Millions of people with lung conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been urged to take extra care during this week's heatwave. Much of England has been blanketed by red heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency. The six affected regions are the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England.
Quadruple Threat of Heat, Humidity, Pollen, and Ozone
Karen Spillett, deputy head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said the sweltering conditions could exacerbate symptoms for some people. She told the Express: "With temperatures set to potentially soar to a record-breaking 39C this week, many of the nearly 12 million people living with lung conditions may experience worsening symptoms. For many people with lung conditions, the extreme heat and increased humidity can trigger symptoms like chest tightness, breathlessness and wheezing. The hot weather also causes pollen levels to rise which is another major trigger for half of people with asthma and over one in four people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."
"The high temperatures also increase the levels of a toxic air polluting gas called ozone. Ozone can be especially dangerous to people with lung conditions as it inflames the airways and makes it much harder to breathe. This quadruple threat of heat, air pollution, pollen and humidity can cause life-threatening flare-ups that require emergency care, but there are simple ways people can stay safe and protect their health."
Nine Precautions to Stay Safe
Ms Spillett urged people with lung conditions to take nine precautions to stay safe during the heatwave:
- Take your medications as prescribed and always keep your reliever inhaler with you so you can treat symptoms quickly. When you take your inhaler regularly, you're less likely to experience flare ups and can get on top of symptoms as soon as you experience them.
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Drinking water, squash or milk and eating foods with a high water content, like fruit and salads, can all help keep you hydrated and stay cool.
- Exercise safely with gentle activities when it's hot outside like yoga, stretching or walks. Intensive exercise in extreme heat can be dangerous so make sure to stop if you experience any symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness.
- Keep your medicines in a dry, cool area and out of direct sunlight. If you're unsure how to store your medicines safely speak to your local pharmacist who can provide advice.
- Keep cool in the heat. Taking cold showers and baths can help keep you comfortable in hot weather. Placing a damp cloth, flannel or tea towel on the back of your neck can also help to cool you down.
- Avoid the heat by going out in the mornings and evenings when it's cooler. It's usually hottest between 11am and 3pm so you may want to plan any outings or activities outside of these hours.
- Keep your home cool. Closing blinds, curtains and windows facing direct sunlight during the day, and opening your windows at night when it is cooler, can all help you beat the heat. Some people also find portable or standing fans helpful for staying cool.
- Check the weather, pollen and pollution forecasts if you are particularly sensitive to these triggers. The Met Office provides up-to-date forecasts and weather warnings so that you can keep informed.
- If your symptoms are getting worse, follow the advice on your action or self-management plan or book an urgent appointment with your GP. You should always call 999 or attend A&E if your symptoms are severe.
Asthma + Lung UK has a personalised summer health guide to help you stay well this summer. For more information and support about managing hot weather with a lung condition visit the charity's website or call its helpline on 0300 222 5800.
