Summer is just around the corner with beach trips, barbecues and long sunshine filled days on the horizon. For many people, the warmer months come with an unwelcome guest: heightened asthma symptoms.
If you're part of the eight percent of the UK population living with asthma summer can bring a range of triggers that make breathing a bit more challenging. In 2024, we looked at asthma myths and facts. This year, let’s unpack why asthma can flare up in the summer, how to prevent attacks, and how to support someone dealing with asthma.
Why Does Summer Trigger Asthma and What Can You Do?
While summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, it can also mean exposure to a whole host of asthma triggers. Here are some common culprits:
1. Heat and Humidity
Hot, humid air can make it harder for anyone to breathe, but for people with asthma, it’s even more challenging. The heat can cause the airways to narrow, triggering symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Top tip: Try to use shaded areas when out and about. If at home, try to keep your house cool by closing any blinds, curtains and windows that are in direct sunlight.
2. Air Pollution
Summer often brings higher levels of air pollution and ground-level ozone, especially on sunny, still days. Both can irritate the lungs and cause asthma symptoms.
Top tip: Check pollen forecasts and avoid high polluted areas such as cities and main roads.
3. Smoke
Whether it’s from barbecues, campfires or even fireworks, summer can be full of smoky situations. For people with asthma, inhaling smoke can quickly irritate the airways and lead to a flare-up.
Top tip: Avoid getting too close to barbeques or campfires to reduce smoke inhalation.
4. Physical Activity
Many of us love getting outside for a summer jog, a hike, or a game of football in the park. For those with exercise-induced asthma, physical activity in hot weather can trigger symptoms.
Top tip: Stay hydrated and consider switching to light exercise such as walking, yoga or indoor classes.
How to Support Someone with Asthma
If you know someone with asthma, there are a few simple ways you can help them feel more comfortable during the summer:
- Know Their Triggers: Be mindful of things like heat, smoke, or strong scents (such as perfumes or cleaning products) that could trigger their symptoms.
- Keep an Eye Out: If they start wheezing, coughing, or showing signs of shortness of breath, check in with them. They might need to pause an activity or use their inhaler.
- Know the Plan: During an asthma attack, it can be hard for someone to communicate or move to find their inhaler. Knowing where they keep their inhaler can save precious seconds in an emergency.
- Don’t Ignore Symptoms: If their symptoms don’t improve or worsen, call for medical help immediately. Asthma attacks can escalate quickly and become life-threatening.
Summer doesn’t have to mean sitting inside with the windows shut tight. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy all the best that the season has to offer without worrying about asthma dampening the fun.
Whether it’s avoiding triggers, staying cool, or knowing how to help someone in need, a little care goes a long way in keeping everyone breathing easy.
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