Extreme summer heat triggers asthma during peak season
September is Asthma Peak Month and health officials said extreme heat can make symptoms worse for people with asthma.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reported nearly 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma.
Andy Spears, senior public relations manager for the foundation, said high heat and humidity can be especially challenging, even as fall approaches. He stressed limiting exposure to heat, humidity and air pollution can help reduce the chances of asthma symptoms during hot weather.
"The one thing I would say to people with asthma, if they're actually out in the heat and they have to be out in the heat, and this is true for anybody, but especially if you have asthma, is to stay hydrated. That water helps thin and loosen your mucus. It keeps you from getting overheated," Spears explained.
Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children, affecting one in 12 kids. Spears recommended Tennesseans visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Heat Risk website, which provides up-to-date information based on your ZIP code.
According to the forecast this weekend in Nashville, the heat will be extreme. Temperatures on September 21 will be high but September 22, the first day of fall, will have moderate heat.
Spears noted it is important to pay attention to signs of overheating, which include sweating more than usual especially in humidity, feeling tired or dizzy, and a faster-than-normal heartbeat.
"That's just your body telling you it's time to rest. If you have overheating and you have asthma, you may also notice an increase in cough. You may have shortness of breath. You may start wheezing," Spears outlined. "Some of your asthma symptoms may also just be triggered, and so that's a good time to follow the steps on your asthma action plan."
Spears recommended speaking with your allergist or healthcare provider, as adjustments can be made to your asthma action plan during hot times of the year, such as peak summer and fall months. He added people should keep asthma medicine cool during extreme heat, especially when traveling. He suggested using an insulated cooling bag, since medicine left in a hot car may not work as well when you need it most during an asthma attack or heat-related breathing episode.
