When your asthma flares up, your airways may become swollen and tight, and inhaled airborne debris may make it harder to breathe. Certain types of weather may also cause your asthma to flare-up.
Hot weather and humidity changes can be a trigger.
The hotter the air, the more moisture it can hold. On a hot summer day, the moisture content in the air (humidity) can rise to uncomfortable levels. If you have asthma, inhaling air at humidity levels of 65% or higher can irritate your lungs and cause shortness of breath. Your chest may feel heavier or tighter, and your airflow may be restricted due to a humidity-induced attack.
You may also experience unusual coughing and wheezing during an episode. Here are a few more reasons why high humidity may be bad for asthma:
Makes it more difficult to breathe:
Inhaling air with too much moisture can activate sensory nerves in your already swollen airways, triggering a narrowing reflex. This can cause you to cough and wheeze.
Encourages mold growth:
When humidity exceeds 60%, airborne mold can grow more easily. Be aware of this potential asthma trigger around moist areas, like bathrooms.
Increases ozone levels:
Ozone concentrations in the air increase during hot, humid days when the air is stagnant. This gas is a known pollutant that can irritate your lungs and airways, causing your asthma to flare-up.
Dust mite “attack”:
Dust mites are microscopic pests that thrive in warm environments. They can set off an asthma attack when they are inhaled, even if they’re dead.
Hot outdoor environments in the city can expose you to air pollution that may irritate your airways. Research shows that people with moderate to severe asthma are 40% more likely to have acute asthma episodes on hot summer days.
Backyard BBQs are the perfect way to celebrate summer vacation, but smoke from the grill may irritate sensitive lungs.
Spending time by the pool is a great way to beat the summer heat. Chlorine is commonly used for sanitizing swimming pools, and in high concentrations it can be irritating for individuals with asthma.
Certain types of plants in your yard may produce excess pollen during the summer. A surplus of pollen in the air can inflame your airways and make outdoor living spaces uninviting.
Moist spaces with restricted air circulation encourages the accumulation of mold, which can trigger inflammatory responses in your airways when inhaled.
Your respiratory system may not always adjust to a sharp increase in temperature. You may experience an asthma attack when transitioning between a cool, air-conditioned room and scorching outdoor summer heat.
Wind can stir up light irritants, like pollen and dust.
Summer vacations bring warm weather, longer days, and sunshine. Heat and humidity shouldn't stop you or your loved ones from enjoying the summer, since there are ways to protect your airways.
In addition to proper medication prescribed by your regular physician, consider precautions to minimize asthma triggers:
For quick relief from any asthma flare-ups, visit our Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care in Irvine, , Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care to receive proper allergy care and treatment.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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