Preparing for Hotter Weather With COPD

By John Bottrell, RRT

3 min read

So, the weather is getting hotter. In many places, it’s going to get really hot. For many with COPD, this hot air may trigger flare-ups. Why is this? How can you beat the heat? Here’s what to know.

What are studies showing?

Studies are showing that hotter temperatures alone may trigger COPD flare-ups.^1-5

A 2014 John Hopkins University study showed that COPD symptoms got worse during outdoor heat waves. This was true whether COPDers spent their time indoors or outdoors.
The same study showed that COPDers exposed to high indoor temperatures experienced worse COPD symptoms, increased medicine usage, and lowered lung function. COPDers exposed to high outdoor temperatures experienced worse COPD symptoms, but did not use more medicine or lose lung function.
A 2009 study showed that COPD symptoms got worse when the temperature exceeded 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit. It showed that heat was responsible for increased hospital admissions for both COPD and asthma.
A 2013 study came up with similar results. Another study showed that hotter weather caused an increase in emergency room visits among the COPD population.

Why does heat trigger flare-ups?

Researchers seem to be unaware of the reason why heat triggers flare-ups. However, there are some theories that attempt to explain why.

Thermoregulation

Intense heat causes stress on your body. Normal body temperature is 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit. So, when exposed to heat, your body has to work to cool down to maintain this 98.7 degrees. This takes energy. It increases your body’s oxygen demand. People with COPD may have trouble keeping up, causing you to feel short of breath.^6,7,9

Nerve stimulation

Heat may have an impact on nerves inside your lungs. It may activate special nerves that cause bronchospasm. This theory has been tested on asthmatics and not so much on the COPD population. So, it’s something that may be studied more in the future.^6,8,9

Humidity

Higher temperatures allow air molecules to hold more water. Air that holds more water can be heavy and hard to inhale. So, this may be one reason hot and humid air may trigger COPD.

Allergens

Allergens like dust mites and molds love hot, humid temperatures. So, they tend to grow in higher numbers when the air is hot and humid. This can happen in your own home without you even being aware of it. These allergens can become airborne and easily inhaled. They may trigger flare-ups.

Outdoor air pollution

Higher outdoor temperatures may have an impact on outdoor air pollution. Some studies have shown links between ozone and respiratory symptoms. Ozone levels may be increased during the warm summer months. Particulate matter is another type of pollution that may be increased in warmer weather. These are microscopic particles too small to be seen but that is easily inhaled.^5,6,9

Indoor air pollution

Higher indoor temperatures may have an impact on indoor air pollution. This may include particulate matter and gases like nitrogen dioxide.^6,9

Anticholinergics

These include muscarinics like ipatropium bromide (Atrovent) and tiotropium bromide (Spiriva). Ipatropium Bromide is also one of the ingredients in Duoneb and Combivent. Muscarinics are known to "impair sweating and blunt the normal cardiovascular response to heat."Muscarinics are also top-line COPD medicines, and are commonly prescribed to help you breathe easier.⁷

What are some tips for beating the heat?

The best option for beating the heat is air conditioning. Central air or window air conditioners are equally effective. Along with cooling air, they also dehumidify and filter it.^6,9

If you don’t have air conditioning, an option is to plan events during the hottest parts of the day at cooling centers. These are public places that offer air conditioning and cool air. They are places where you can cool off, such as your local library or recreation center.^9,11

Another tip involves staying well hydrated. The standard recommendation is at least 8 cups of water every day. Make sure you take water with you if you have to leave your home.^7,12

So, these are tips recommended by the experts. How do you beat the heat?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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millerjuzix Member
What a timely article. I was doing some cooking and couldn't catch my breath and I was sweating profusely. I have been trying not to use the AC due to cost. I am on 2 liters of 02 ,so checked that and was at 93. So I turned the AC down to 80. Put cold towels around my neck , large intake of water, read your article and realized I was not crazy. We are expecting the monsoons any day so the humity is high. As you mentioned. Thanks again.
1. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi. millerjuzix. Glad you found the article helpful. No! You are not crazy. Also, I do the same thing when it gets hot -- wait as long as possible before turning on the air conditioner. If you have air, might as well use it. Sure makes breathing easier. John. Site Moderator.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi millerjuzix and thanks for your post. I agree with both John and you - when one can be frugal (with the air conditioning), well - give it your best shot. But, when it begins to compromise your breathing and comfort (related to COPD), it's time to turn it on! Wishing you the best, Leon (site moderator)
jcupdike Member
I chuckled a little when I read that researchers studying this came to that conclusion. All they had to do was ask people who endure it.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, <inline-mention username="jcupdike" user-id="2439678"/> - it's worth a chuckle - you're right. This is especially so during this crazy hot summer season this year. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
bin there and dunit Member
Very interesting article but I think there have to be exceptions. I had had symptoms from the year 2000 (though not formally diagnosed for two years. I lived and worked outdoors in southern France for the summers including the "canicule" heat wave of 2003 which killed close to 200,000 people in southern Europe. It was a very dry heat which may have made a difference but it was only when I returned to colder and damper Britain that I really felt the effects of COPD.
Sst1 Member
Hi John, thanks for the great article. Explains a lotto me why I need my air conditioner at 65degrees to be able to breath. Past 70 my chest tightens and I cannot stop coughing. So thanks for the possible why's and conformation on how to deal with it.
1. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi. <inline-mention username="Sst1" user-id="8664576"/> Welcome to our community. And you are welcome. And thank YOU for letting me know you enjoyed and found my article helpful. Much appreciated. John. author/ community moderator.