How Weather Affects Lung Health
Weather can be a trigger for respiratory flare-ups, also known as exacerbations. If the weather is too hot, too cold, too humid, not humid enough, or even too windy, it can feel harder to breathe and you may wheeze or cough more.
Research has found that the ideal conditions for people with respiratory disease are a temperature of around 70⁰F and humidity level around 40%. But even when the weather isn’t working in your favor, you don’t have to stop living your life! A little planning ahead can help you feel well and enjoy the days that aren’t so perfect.
In This Article
How to Prevent Flare-ups on Bad Weather Days
The first step to preventing weather-related flare-ups is to check the forecast before you go outside or plan outdoor activities.
It’s also important to keep track of how different weather conditions affect your symptoms. The My Lung Health Action Plan is a great resource for this; you can use it to keep track of your weather-related triggers and what you should do to avoid them.
Also, remember that the weather outside can impact the environment in your home. Regularly changing your air filters can help you breathe easier indoors.
Here is a quick overview of how different weather conditions impact your lung function and what steps you can take to manage these conditions.
NOTE: Talk to your physician about whether you should use your rescue medication before you leave the house on bad weather days to prevent potential flare-ups.
Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can cause your airways to become narrower and drops in humidity can dry out your mucus membranes. This can make you feel short of breath and trigger wheezing.
Cold Weather Tips:
- If you plan to go outside, be sure to dress warmly and wear a scarf or gaiter that you can use to cover your nose and mouth. This will warm and humidify the air you breathe in.
- Warm up your car before you get in/try to get into a warm car.
- If you notice that it’s harder to breathe indoors during cold weather, this could be because the humidity level in your house has dropped. Consider running a humidifier.
- Limit the amount of time you spend in cold weather.
Hot Weather
High temperatures, especially over 90⁰, can make it feel harder to breathe. Hot days can also be high ozone days. Ozone is a gas that can be irritating to breathe in. Ozone, smog, and other pollutants can cause inflammation (or swelling) in your airways.
Hot Weather Tips:
- On very hot days, the best way to avoid flare-ups is to stay indoors with the air conditioner on. You can still do activities and exercise indoors!
- Cool down your car before you get in. Cold environments are your friend on hot days.
- Limit the amount of time you spend in the heat. Consider going outside earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature has cooled down.
High Humidity
High humidity can exacerbate mold and some airborne allergens, which can irritate your airways if inhaled.
High Humidity Tips:
- To reduce your exposure, limit the amount of time you spend outdoors.
- When you’re in your home, consider running a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
Low Humidity
On the flip side, dry air can dry out the mucus membranes in your lungs and make you cough and wheeze more.
Low Humidity Tips:
- Taking a steamy shower and running a humidifier in your home can improve the moisture level, which can make it feel easier to breathe.
- Talk to your physician about using a nebulizer before you leave the house, to get more moisture.
High Winds
Wind can carry pollen, dust particles, and other pollutants, which can all irritate your lungs and cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
High Winds Tips:
- Face masks or scarves can provide a barrier between you and the elements. Just make sure to first ask your physician if you can safely wear a mask when you’re walking around or exerting yourself.
- Limit the amount of time you spend outside in high winds.
What You Can Do Today
Think about what weather conditions affect you and what symptoms you experience. Write this information in your My Lung Health Action Plan if you haven’t already.
You may also consider asking your doctor if you should use rescue medication before you leave the house on bad weather days.
Before you leave the house, check your local forecast to see what the ozone and air pollution levels are like in your area.