5 tips to breathe easier in hot weather

Some ways can help improve symptoms of shortness of breath in people with lung disease caused by agents in the hot season.

Three factors that can affect breathing ability in the summer are temperature, sunlight, and humidity. Hot weather causes the body to sweat more, which can cause dehydration and difficulty breathing. Sunlight causes a number of chemical reactions with pollutants in the air, which can lead to difficulty breathing, irritation of the nose and throat, coughing, and wheezing. Increased humidity and denser air can make breathing more difficult for people with chronic lung diseases.

Here are five tips to help you breathe better during hot summer days.

Keep cool and dress appropriately

As your body heats up, it needs more oxygen. So in the summer, it is important to stay cool. If you feel too hot, move into the shade or stay indoors, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Keep an eye on the weather and temperature when you plan to go out to make sure your destination is cool and to dress appropriately. When going out on a hot day, wearing light-colored, thin clothing and a hat can help minimize the increase in heat around the head and neck.

Adjust your diet

Diet plays an important role in the respiratory system during hot days. Drink water regularly if you sweat a lot. If you feel short of breath when eating, eat slowly or divide your meals into smaller portions. Reducing salt intake and increasing vegetables and fruits can help cool the body and improve digestion.

Drinking enough water and keeping your body cool in the summer helps maintain better breathing. Photo: Freepik — Drinking enough water and keeping your body cool in the summer helps maintain better breathing. Photo: *Freepik*

Avoid respiratory triggers

In addition to temperature changes, some other environmental factors can make it difficult to breathe, such as: cigarette smoke, dust, outdoor allergens (pollen), mold... Avoid contact with these factors to keep your breathing healthy.

Practice breathing techniques

Breathing exercises not only help improve the respiratory system, cool down the body but also help control hunger, thirst and energy consumption on hot summer days. Two easy breathing methods include:

Cooling breath: Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Place your hands on your knees and relax your body. Stick your tongue forward and roll it up like a tube and close your mouth slightly. Inhale through your mouth, the air passing through your throat and palate will become cooler.

Alternate nostril breathing: Alternate nostril breathing helps calm the mind, relieve stress and increase energy. How to do it: Sit comfortably and take a few relaxing breaths. Use your thumb to close your right nostril, inhale through your left nostril and count from 1 to 4. Do the same with the other nostril, repeat 5 to 10 times.

Avoid strenuous activity

When it is hot, the body has to work harder to keep cool. If a person is doing strenuous activities, especially outdoors, there is a higher risk of difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is better to choose activities indoors or relax in the shade.

In addition to the above tips, people with respiratory conditions should also monitor their symptoms in response to changes in temperature and hot weather. This makes it easier for patients to control their breathing. In people with both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), regular use of prescribed medications or inhalers can also help control inflammation and make the airways less sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Bao Bao (According to Cleveland Clinic, Oxygo Life )

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