Summer’s here, and it’s a great time to be active! But if you have asthma, you might wonder how to exercise safely in the heat. While some find summer brings relief, others experience more asthma symptoms due to heat, humidity, pollen, and air pollution. Even fun activities like sports and camping can trigger flare-ups. This guide will help you understand common triggers and, most importantly, enjoy physical activity safely this summer.
Understanding Summer Asthma Triggers
Summer weather can affect asthma in several ways. High temperatures and humidity can narrow your airways, making breathing difficult. Hot air also contributes to increased air pollution like ozone, which can irritate your lungs. Here are some key triggers to be aware of:
- Heat and Humidity: High temperatures and humid air can make breathing more challenging, as they can cause your airways to tighten.
- Pollen: If you have allergies, summer pollens (like tree, grass, or ragweed) can be significant triggers. Knowing the peak times for your specific pollen allergies can help you plan your outdoor activities.
- Mold Spores: These can be prevalent in humid conditions and can also trigger asthma symptoms for those who are sensitive.
- Air Pollution and Ozone: Hot, stagnant air can trap pollutants and ozone, which is a major component of smog. Inhaling these can irritate your respiratory system and worsen asthma symptoms.
- Thunderstorms: Surprisingly, thunderstorms can trigger severe asthma attacks. Strong winds ahead of a storm can disperse tiny allergen particles, which are then easily inhaled. Always have your quick-relief inhaler handy if you live in an area with unpredictable weather.
Remember, summer asthma symptoms are the same as any other time: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. A severe asthma attack is an emergency – call 911 if you experience one.
Keeping Active Safely with Asthma This Summer
It’s important to stay active with asthma, as exercise can improve lung function. Here’s how to do it safely:
Before heading outdoors, always check your local air quality index and pollen count. On days with high levels of pollution or your specific pollen triggers, it’s safer to consider indoor activities. Try to time your workouts during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or evenings, when temperatures and pollution are often lower. A proper warm-up can prepare your lungs for activity, and a cool-down helps them recover. Most importantly, listen to your body: if you start feeling symptoms, stop, use your quick-relief inhaler, and rest.
If you have exercise-induced asthma (EIA), where symptoms only occur during or after physical activity, your doctor might recommend pre-treating with an albuterol inhaler 15-20 minutes beforehand. Swimming is often a great choice for asthma, as pools offer a warm, humid environment. Many Olympic swimmers even have asthma! However, be mindful of chlorine if it irritates your airways; you can talk to your doctor about pre-treatment options. Ocean swimming avoids chlorine and can be beneficial.
Other Summer Activities and Triggers
Planning a camping trip? Be mindful of pollen seasons if you have outdoor allergies. Always clean your tent thoroughly beforehand to avoid mold. It’s best to avoid campfire smoke as much as possible, as it can irritate airways and trigger symptoms. Similarly, smoke from wildfires (even distant ones) and fireworks can significantly worsen asthma. Watch fireworks from a distance and stay clear of the smoke. Don’t forget about indoor allergies either; dust mites and mold thrive in humid indoor environments. Keep your home cool and dry, and clean regularly.
Summer Travel and Asthma
Travel can expose you to new triggers, so being prepared is key. Before your trip, schedule a check-up with your doctor to discuss your travel plans and review your Asthma Action Plan and medication refills. When flying, always keep all your asthma medications in your carry-on bag; it’s also smart to pack double the supplies you think you’ll need. Before you go, research the weather, air quality, and pollen counts for your destination. If you’re traveling to a high-altitude location, be aware that less oxygen can affect your breathing.
General Tips for Managing Asthma in Hot Weather
On hot, humid days, stay indoors as much as possible and keep your windows closed. Inside, keep cool by using air conditioning with clean HEPA filters and a dehumidifier to control humidity. Make it a habit to check your local air quality index and pollen count daily before going outside. After outdoor activities, shower to wash off any pollen collected on your skin or hair. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water; it helps thin mucus and keeps your body cool.
Most importantly, continue taking your daily controller asthma medications as prescribed. Don’t stop them without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. This helps prevent serious flare-ups, especially during the “September Asthma Peak” when triggers like ragweed and respiratory illnesses increase.
By being prepared and proactive, you can enjoy a full and active summer with asthma.
Source: Allergy & Asthma Network | June 18, 2025