Heat + Humidity = Harder to Breathe

DISCUSSION:  In a previous article, I explained how inhaling cold, dry air constricts airways and makes it harder to breathe. The same can be said for hot, humid air. The sticky, stuffy air can make everything from breathing to sleeping a challenge.

Your body is always using energy just to breathe and working to maintain a normal body temperature. Being exposed to extreme heat and humidity causes your body to use extra energy to remain cool. People with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease notice these negative effects the most.

Extreme heat can cause the air to become stagnant which traps pollutants in the air. The moisture in the air helps with the absorption of oxygen. Warm, moist air is also the perfect environment for mold to spread and dust mites to grow and multiply. All of these factorsmake it hard to breathe.

Respiratory issues or not, here are some tipsto project your lungs on hot, humid days in the final days of summer:

• Stay indoors and use the air-conditioner
• If you don’t have an air conditioner, use a fan when air pollution is low
• Make sure the air quality inside is good
• Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollutants and hot air out
• Keep curtains closed to keep heat out
• Avoid lengthy outdoor activities or exercise especially between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (heat of day)
• Drink lots of water 
• Wear loose, cool, light-colored clothing and hat outdoors 

Humans are not the only mammals that get overheated and find breathing a challenge on hot and humid days. Actually, animals have their own techniques to beat the heat. If you find your pets being sluggish or acting different on hot, muggy days, make sure they are doing these things:

• Shedding – Animals release the heat trapped under their fur when shedding. 
• Hiding – Using foliage, animals find rocks, trees, and other shelters to stay cool from the sun’s rays.
• Sweating – Horses and dogs (through their paws) are amongst the few animals that actually sweat. When you sweat, water rises to the surface of your skin and cools your body as it evaporates. 
• Panting – Heat leaves the body when exhaling. 
• Pooping – Bird poop is watery. When it dries, evaporative cooling occurs and cools down the bird. 
• Swimming – Water keeps animals cool longer and protects their skin from insects and bugs. 
• Radiating heat – During the summer, more blood circulates through blood vessels, releasing heat into the environment. 
• Sleeping – Hibernation or burrowing allows animals to avoid the heat of summer.
• Eating cold treats – Many zoo animals get cold treats, such as frozen fruit, fish, and blood ice pops.

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© 2018 Meteorologist Amber Liggett