Heatwave And Asthma: How Rising Temperatures Trigger Severe Breathing Issues and What You Can Do To Stay Safe- EXPLAINED

Suffering from asthma? Here is how extreme heatwave can trigger severe breathing problems in asthma patients, and what one should do to stay safe - explained by Dr Vikas Pilaniya, Manipal Hospital, Jaipur.

Asthma Triggers: Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable, but can be dangerous as well, especially for people with asthma. Global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat events, leading to severe difficulties in respiratory health. During a heatwave, the air is heavier with pollutants, it is more humid, and it is harder to breathe, all of which can trigger or exacerbate asthma. Its important to understand the way in which heat affects those with asthma and trigger severe breathing issues.

How Does Heatwave Affect Asthma Patients?

Let's understand the link between the rise in temperature and how it impacts Asthma patients. According to Dr Vikas Pilaniya, Consultant Pulmonary, Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, by elevating ground-level ozone and compacting irritants such as smoking, dust, and pollen, high temperatures can worsen the air quality. This trigger works worst for those with asthma condition - as these air irritants can exacerbate the airways and make it harder to breathe. In addition, dehydration and higher sweating in the case of a heat wave can dry the airways, sensitizing them to allergens and environmental triggers.

"By elevating ground-level ozone and compacting irritants such as smoking, dust, and pollen, high temperatures can worsen the air quality. Especially for asthma sufferers, these air irritants can exacerbate the airways and make it harder to breathe. In addition, dehydration and higher sweating in the case of a heat wave can dry the airways, sensitizing them to allergens and environmental triggers," said Dr Pilaniya.

Asthma during a heatwave is also accompanied by more frequent use of quick-relief inhalers. Heat-induced asthma may result in extra fatigue, light-headedness, and sleeplessness caused by discomfort during breathing. Such symptoms indicate that the body is in difficulty managing the extra stress of hot temperatures and poor air quality and must not be taken lightly.

Asthma Management Tips During a Heatwave

To remain safe during hot weather, precautionary measures can make a big difference:

1. Stay Indoors During Peak Heat: It is important to stay indoor during the heatwave as it can keep your safe and protect your body from the extreme weather condition.
2. Maintain Your Surroundings Cool: Use cooling gadgets such as fans, air conditioning to keep the temperature around you soothing for your body. Also keep a check on proper ventilation in your apartment.
3. Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink lots of liquid and fluid to keep your body well-hydrated during the heatwave. Dehydration can worsen your breathing issues.
4. Watch Air Quality: Check a close check on your local air quality indexes on a daily basis. Its not only during winter when the AQI levels are poor. Current data shows how heatwave can also worsen AQI levels.
5. Eat healthy: The most important thing to keep in mind when trying to stay healthy during a heatwave, is to keep your diet light, and non-spicy. Add lots of fruits and vegetables to your plate.

When to Get Help

If symptoms become severe or treatment does not bring relief, then it might indicate a bad attack of asthma. In the extreme, hospital care or emergency care is required.

Heatwaves pose a real risk to individuals who suffer from asthma, but if one is informed and takes appropriate precautions, the risks can be managed. Through constant attentiveness to symptoms and taking proactive action, you can breathe with ease even during the hottest summer days.