How Summer Heat Affects Lung Health: A part of the country is currently suffering from the heat. In many districts the temperature has reached 46-47 degrees, people have started avoiding leaving their homes. In such a situation, the increasing heat is not only increasing the discomfort, but is also becoming a big threat to the health of the lungs. According to doctors, extreme heat and humidity can cause serious problems for people suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergies and other respiratory diseases. Rising temperature, humidity in the air, pollution, dust, small particles and smog together put additional pressure on the lungs, which can increase difficulty in breathing and also increases the risk of respiratory attack.

How does temperature affect the lungs?

Dr. Anjali Saurabh, an expert at Patna-based Auro Superspeciality Hospital, says that excessive heat not only increases the body temperature, but it also directly affects the functioning of the lungs, oxygen level and airway inflammation. The body works harder to keep itself cool, which increases the heart rate and breathing rate. In healthy people, this may only feel like discomfort, but in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this condition can cause severe breathlessness and fatigue.

Why does irritation increase?

According to doctors, humidity further increases the problem. It feels difficult to breathe in heavy humid air because the sweat does not dry quickly and the body has difficulty in cooling down. Not only this, excess moisture keeps pollution, smoke and allergy-causing particles close to the ground, which can increase irritation in the respiratory tubes.

Experts say that ground level ozone and smog form rapidly in summer, especially in crowded cities. This condition can cause cough, wheezing, chest tightness and asthma attacks. Hot and humid weather makes the airways more sensitive in asthma patients. At the same time, problems like shortness of breath, excessive cough, fatigue and phlegm formation may increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Also read: Cough, cold, soreness and fatigue? It’s not the change in weather, it’s the deficiency in the body, read doctor’s warning

Which people have the most problems?

According to doctors, the elderly, small children, smokers, patients suffering from heart disease, employees working outside and people living in polluted cities are most at risk. For people whose lung capacity is already weak, even a short period of heat can cause serious problems. Experts have warned that if symptoms like rapid breathing, continuous wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty in talking, blue lips, dizziness or continuous cough are seen, then one should immediately contact the doctor. A serious situation can be avoided by getting timely treatment.

What can we do to save ourselves?

Doctors advise to stay indoors from 11 pm to 4 pm, keep an eye on the air quality index and avoid going out on days with high pollution. To keep the indoor air clean and cool, keep windows closed, use curtains and stay away from smoking. Experts say that small precautions can play a big role in keeping the lungs safe in summer.

Read this also- Bihar’s Sattu is a boon in summers, if you drink it like this then heat will be afraid to even come near your body.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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