What Asthma and COPD Patients Should Pay Attention to When Using Air Conditioning!

Although summer heat and humidity are unbearable for everyone, especially heat and humidity can cause the symptoms of asthma and COPD patients to worsen. At this point, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr.  Seha AKDUMAN says that providing a controlled temperature environment with coolants such as air conditioning can help relieve these symptoms. Dr. Lecturer  Seha AKDUMAN pointed out some points that should be taken into consideration at this point. 
According to Asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) experts, careful and correct use of air conditioners can be suitable for these patients and can also help control the symptoms. Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Lecturer  Seha AKDUMAN said, “However, precautions such as regular maintenance of the air conditioner, appropriate temperature and humidity settings, use of high-efficiency air filters and ensuring fresh air flow should be taken. "In this way, the use of air conditioning can improve the quality of life of asthma and COPD patients and relieve their symptoms," she said.

Heat and Humidity Make Life Difficult for Asthma and COPD Patients

Explaining that hot weather and high humidity bring many health risks and difficulties for asthma and COPD patients, Dr. Lecturer Seha AKDUMAN continued: “During sudden temperature changes, the functions of the cilia, which are the most important components of our immune system and act as upward brushes to protect the lungs, decrease and the function of the immune system deteriorates. This situation prepares the ground for the development of an attack. In asthma patients, it can cause narrowing and inflammation of the airways due to temperature and high humidity. In addition, allergens such as pollen and mold may increase in these environments, and pollutants in the air may increase during heat waves. All of these can trigger asthma attacks or worsen symptoms such as cough and wheezing. Likewise, this air can impair the quality of life for COPD patients. "High humidity can cause narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing, and high temperature can cause shortness of breath and lack of energy in COPD patients."

What Should Be the Ideal Conditions to Prevent Exacerbation of the Disease?

Explaining that air conditioners used correctly can be beneficial for this patient group, Dr. Lecturer Seha AKDUMAN gave the following information to guide patients on this issue: 
“The ideal conditions to minimize the risk of exacerbation in patients are an indoor temperature of 21°C and a humidity rate of 30-50 percent in living spaces for at least 9 hours a day. At this point, central system air conditioners, which preserve the air quality in the best way and cool the whole house evenly, can generally be considered the most suitable option for asthma and COPD patients. If central system installation is not possible or used for smaller areas, split air conditioners can be a good alternative. Besides all these, the main point to pay attention to should be filtration. Air conditioners with high efficiency air filters such as HEPA or electrostatic filters should be preferred. In addition, no matter which type of air conditioner is chosen, regular maintenance and filter cleaning should be done.”

Cooling Recommendations for Asthma and COPD Patients

Reminding that there are other measures for asthma and COPD patients to cool and relax other than air conditioning, Dr. Lecturer  Seha AKDUMAN listed her suggestions as follows: “First of all, natural ventilation methods can be used. Cross ventilation can be achieved by opening windows. Air flow can be increased by using ceiling or desktop fans, and you can reduce the humidity in the house by using dehumidifiers. You can prevent the sun from entering directly by installing blinds or curtains in your home. In addition, asthma and COPD patients can help keep the body cool by drinking plenty of fluids. “To increase blood circulation, light-paced walks early in the morning or late in the evening or exercises in closed and cool areas may be beneficial.”