Wheezin’ Season: How to Keep Your Lungs Cool When the Heat is Cruel

Depending on where you are from, you might be saying, "Uffda - it's too hot out there!" You might also love this heat and just want to lay in the sun.

What about when the heat is too cruel, and you feel it in your lungs?

As summer temperatures soar, so do the risks to your respiratory health. Whether you’re managing asthma, COPD, or simply trying to stay healthy, extreme heat combined with poor air quality can make breathing more difficult and dangerous.

The American Lung Association helped us look at this topic and come up with some information about why this is happening, and how to best adapt when you love the outdoors but can't stand the heat! Here’s how to take care of your lungs during those scorching summer days.

🌡️ Why Heat Affects Your Lungs

High temperatures and humidity can:

• Increase ground-level ozone (smog), which irritates the lungs.

• Make it harder to breathe, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD.

• Exacerbate dehydration, which thickens mucus and makes it harder to clear your airways.

🛡️ Top Tips to Protect Your Respiratory Health

1. Stay Indoors During Peak Heat

• Avoid going outside between 11 AM and 3 PM, when temperatures and pollution levels peak.

• Find an indoor activity where the air is on and circulating! Use air conditioning or visit public places like libraries or malls if your home isn’t cooled.

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2. Monitor Air Quality

• Check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) daily.

• Avoid outdoor activities when AQI is in the “unhealthy” range, especially if you have lung conditions

• Not sure how to check the AQI? Check out this video from the American Lung Association!

3. Keep Indoor Air Clean

• Close windows and doors during high heat and pollution alerts.

• Avoid indoor pollutants like tobacco smoke, incense, or strong cleaning products.

• Use HEPA filters or air purifiers if possible.

4. Hydrate and Dress Smart

• Drink plenty of water to keep mucus thin and easier to expel.

• Wear light, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you must go outside.

5. Use Medications as Prescribed

• Always carry your rescue inhaler or prescribed medications.

• Follow your asthma or COPD action plan and know the signs of a flare-up

6. Avoid Strenuous Activity

• Postpone workouts or yard work until cooler times of day.

• If you must exercise, do it indoors in a well-ventilated, air-conditioned space.

7. Watch for Warning Signs

• Increased coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness could signal a problem.

• If you have used a rescue inhaler or medication without improvement, follow your action plan or seek medical assistance.

• Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or don’t improve with medication.

🌬️ Bonus Tip: Create a “Cool Air Zone”

Designate a room in your home with a fan, air conditioner, and clean air. This can be your safe space during heatwaves.

Share this blog post with individuals you know that are struggling with the heat and need to keep that respiratory system working well! Like and follow our facebook and instagram to keep alert on new blog posts!

Reference:

American Lung Association (June, 2022). Tips to save yourself from summer's deadly heat waves. https://www.lung.org/blog/heat-waves