Parts of the country are currently reeling from the heat. In many districts, the mercury has reached 46-47 degrees Celsius, forcing people to avoid leaving their homes. The rising heat is not only increasing discomfort but also posing a significant threat to lung health. According to doctors, the intense heat and humidity can cause serious problems for people suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Rising temperatures, air humidity, pollution, dust, fine particles, and smog combine to put additional pressure on the lungs, which can worsen breathing difficulties and increase the risk of respiratory attacks.
Dr. Anjali Saurabh, a specialist at Auro Superspeciality Hospital in Patna, explains that extreme heat not only increases body temperature but also directly impacts lung function, oxygen levels, and airway inflammation. The body works harder to cool itself, increasing heart rate and breathing rate. While this may simply feel like discomfort to healthy individuals, it can worsen shortness of breath and fatigue in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
According to doctors, humidity further aggravates the problem. Heavy, moist air makes breathing difficult because sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly, making it difficult for the body to cool down. Furthermore, high humidity traps pollution, smoke, and allergens close to the ground, which can increase airway irritation.
Experts say that ground-level ozone and smog build up rapidly during the summer, especially in crowded cities. This can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and asthma attacks. For asthma sufferers, hot and humid weather makes the airways more sensitive. Meanwhile, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may experience increased problems like shortness of breath, excessive coughing, fatigue, and mucus production.
Who is most vulnerable?
According to doctors, the elderly, young children, smokers, heart disease patients, outdoor workers, and those living in polluted cities are most at risk. For those with already weakened lung capacity, even a short exposure to heat can cause serious problems. Experts warn that if symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, persistent wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty speaking, blue lips, dizziness, or persistent cough occur, one should immediately consult a doctor. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
Doctors advise staying indoors from 11 am to 4 pm, monitoring the air quality index, and avoiding going out on highly polluted days. To keep the indoor air clean and cool, keep the windows closed, use curtains, and avoid smoking. Experts say that small precautions can play a big role in keeping the lungs safe during summer.