Hot winds can trigger severe allergic asthma: Take precautions

Globally, asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, affecting 300 million people worldwide and expected to rise to 100 million by 2025. Exposure to triggers such as outdoor pollution, viruses, pollen and other environmental factors increases the risk of new asthma and asthma-related outcomes.

Interestingly, apart from environmental pollution, studies have found a strong link between extreme temperatures and allergic asthma. Studies have found that extreme heat has a significant impact on asthma and can act as a significant trigger.

Extreme heat and asthma: Understanding the connection

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vijay Varad, Consultant Allergist at Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, explained, “Extreme heat leads to fluid loss in the body, which affects blood circulation in the body, including the lungs. Since lung functioning is affected due to heat, asthma patients may suffer an attack and experience breathing problems. Also, extreme heat and humid weather conditions can increase the levels of air pollutants, mites, and common allergens which may trigger asthma attacks. There is a strong correlation that high ambient carbon-dioxide concentrations and warmer temperatures result in increased pollen production, especially in urban areas.”

He elaborated, “These particles present in the air can irritate the sensitive airways and cause allergic asthma. Experts predict that heat waves may worsen in the near future and lead to a significant increase in allergic asthma cases. As the temperature rises, dust particles also increase and the allergenic potential also increases. Due to global warming, the pollen season gets extended. During winters again, due to smog, these pollens present in the air get trapped along with vehicular exhaust, dust and construction dust. Talking about rural areas, the potency of these pollens has increased due to excessive use of pesticides.”

Precautions to be taken

Looking at such extreme heat conditions in major cities of India, Dr. Vijay Varad suggests some precautions that should be considered –

• stay hydrated: To avoid fluid loss, one must stay hydrated and ensure blood circulation and maintain lung function
• Stay indoors as much as possible to avoid outdoor pollution: One should stay indoors as much as possible. If necessary, one needs to take proper precautions while travelling outside and avoid going out between 11 am and 3 pm when the weather conditions are very bad.
• If you’re indoors, keep the windows closed to avoid pollution: It is not only outdoor pollution that affects asthma. If one stays indoors, one is advised to take appropriate precautions like keeping windows closed, using humidifiers and air conditioners.
• Keep an eye out for asthma symptoms: Apart from precautions, one should also be alert to asthma symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, irritation in the nasal passage, etc.
• Appropriate dust and pollen filter masks should be used. Even the car air conditioner should have a filter to avoid exposure to pollen particles.
• Be aware of the weather forecast, seasonal changes and the level of airborne allergens in the environment and plan your schedule accordingly: One should be aware of the weather forecast of the city and plan their schedule accordingly. Avoid heatwave alert days and orange/red alert days to avoid complications.

By following these precautions, one can manage their allergies better and prevent triggers that cause allergic asthma. Heatwaves and extreme conditions increase the chances of allergic asthma. If any symptoms persist it is important to talk to your doctor and manage the condition with the right measures.