Coping With Heat When You Have COPD

For many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exposure to heat can trigger or worsen symptoms. This is as likely to happen in overheated rooms during the winter as it is during the height of summer, and the addition of humidity can exacerbate the effects. Going from one temperature extreme to another also can be problematic for those with chronic lung disease.

If you have COPD, it's important to understand how heat affects your lungs and breathing passages. With this knowledge, you can be better prepared to take measures to keep symptoms in check when it's hot.

How Heat Affects COPD

Heat-associated worsening of respiratory symptoms has been demonstrated in several studies across multiple countries.

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a primary complaint in chronic lung disease. Extreme heat can exacerbate this symptom by putting stress on the entire body to maintain a normal temperature (around 98.6 degrees F).

Breathing in heated air can further irritate the already inflamed airways (bronchi) of a person with COPD, causing the smooth muscle that lines them to contract, thereby narrowing the passageway through which air travels from the trachea to the lungs. This is known as bronchospasm.

Bronchospasms can cause the chest to feel tight and trigger a cough. There may be a whistling or wheezing sound with each breath and, because the airways are constricted, it can be hard to breathe deeply enough to get enough oxygen.

Conversely, over-air conditioning, which generates cold, low-humidity air, can also make the symptoms of COPD worse. Keeping air conditioning set to a moderate temperature will help avoid this.

Finally, research shows that extreme heat increases the concentration of particulate matter in the air (i.e., pollution, allergens, dust, and mold), which can trigger and exacerbate COPD symptoms.

Although you can't control the weather or, in many cases, your environment, you can control how you prepare for and handle temperature extremes. The following strategies can help.

Use Air Conditioners and Filters

Maintain air conditioning units at moderate temperatures (a few degrees plus or minus 78 degrees) to avoid overexposure to cold, dry air. Also, clean the air filters on a/c units and vents regularly.

You may also find it helpful to use a good-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap particles like pollutants, pollen, and mold (which tend to increase as temperatures rise) from the air. While purifiers do not remove all particles completely, they do help reduce the amount you inhale.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

One way the body stays cool is through perspiration. But in order to sweat effectively, it needs to be well-hydrated. If there isn't enough fluid in the body to draw on for this process, the body needs to work even harder to make it happen.

Research notes, however, that thirst is not a reliable sign that it's time to step up your fluid intake: You are likely already dehydrated by the time you feel the need to drink.

It's best to be proactive, especially in hot temperatures, by drinking water and other fluids throughout the—even if you don't feel thirsty.

Pay Attention to Weather Reports

Make it a habit to watch or listen to your local weather report each day, particularly in the summer or if you live in a region that tends to be hot year-round. Learn how to use the National Weather Service's heat index chart, which assesses the severity of the weather by considering both heat and humidity.

Also keep an eye (or ear) out for pollution advisories; local weather reports often include this information.

Plan Your Schedule Around the Heat

In summer or hot climates, limit outings to the early morning or after the sun goes down as often as possible. During the rest of the day, stay indoors as much as you can—preferably somewhere that has air conditioning.

If you don't have AC in your home, plan to spend time in places that do (the library, the mall, the home of a friend or family member, or a local heat-relief shelter). You may actually be able to deduct the expense of an AC unit from your taxes if your healthcare provider recommends you purchase one, but you will need a note from them to do this. Check the Internal Revenue Service website, and with your accountant, for more information.

Dress for the Environment

In summer, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing in order to stay as cool as possible. In winter, when you know you'll be in, say, an overheated office where you can't control the temperature, dress in layers that you can shed as necessary to stay cool.

Don't Overexert Yourself

On hot days, it's best not to exercise or do any type of strenuous activity outdoors. Don't let this be an excuse to skip your regular workouts, though: Physical activity is an important part of managing COPD. So, if possible, find ways to exercise in an air-conditioned environment.

Take Cool Showers or Baths

Whenever you feel overheated, dousing your body in cool water will help to bring down your body temperature.

Follow Your Treatment Regimen

Take your medications as directed. If you use oxygen, talk to your healthcare provider about potential adjustments in your oxygen requirements when you'll be in extreme heat.