Every climate brings with it its own pleasures and pains. The winter brings with it colds and sniffles, while the pollen in the spring air brings on allergies. The summer too has its fair share of issues. Heat has a way of bringing on summer breathing issues. It is not an easy task to assess the difficulty of breathing. Similarly, it is very difficult to study the effects of heat and humidity on breathing problems as every person handles weather in a different manner. For instance, a person who lives in a tropical climate or near the ocean may be able to cope with heat very differently from a person who is more accustomed to living in colder regions.
The Triggers...
It is a fact that heat triggers asthma, heat stroke and stress. All of these can eventually result in shortness of breath. Let's take a look at how these various factors affect breathing:
• Asthma - Asthma is a chronic condition caused due to inflammation of the lungs. Heat and humidity are definite asthma triggers. This happens primarily because humidity is very conducive to the growth of airborne allergens such as molds and dust mites. Of course, heat is not the only cause of an asthma attack as high pressure, low and high temperatures and rainfall can also lead to an increase in asthma. However, if those who suffer from asthma undergo appropriate treatment, they can even go out and play football under the blazing sun.
• Stress - Humid and hot weather can be a stress trigger. Extreme heat also tends to sap the body of energy and increases stress levels. The body has to work harder to maintain its optimal temperature in the heat. What this also means is that it uses more energy to cool-off and ends up using more oxygen. Consequently shortness of breath follows. Panic attacks, anxiety and depression which are considered to be stress factors also cause breathing issues.
• Heat stroke - Extended exposure to hot and humid weather may lead to a heat stroke. Dizziness, seizure, headache, fatigue and disorientation are all heat stroke symptoms. They lead to an increased heart rate and summer breathing issues. In this particular case though, breathing difficulty is not directly related to heat exposure but is one of the numerous complications that might arise due to dehydration and heat stroke.
Precautionary Measures
Older people and young children are most prone to summer breathing issues. Drinking plenty of fluids and wearing light, cotton clothing helps the body maintain its temperature. Rigorous activity should be restricted to cooler periods of the day. Those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues should preferably stay indoors if there is a weather advisory of excessive heat. Meals should be light and non-spicy. Protein should also be consumed in a limited manner as it tends to produce more heat in the body.
Always keep the number of a 24-hour medical facility handy to be used in case of an emergency.
