Humidity and Asthma: Managing Symptoms in Different Humid Environments

Humidity and Asthma: Exploring the Connection

Humidity is defined as the measure of how much moisture or water vapour is present in the air. 

Asthma sufferers might notice their asthma symptoms worsening due to increased moisture levels in the air. It’s especially true for individuals exercising in hot and humid weather. 

So, how does humidity act as one of the main asthma triggers in blazing hot weather? The increased moisture in the humid air can directly irritate your airways, with humidity increasing the levels of several irritants like pollen, pollution, mould, dust mites, etc. These substances irritate the bronchial tubes and, thus, trigger asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness. 

Even small-scale research has been performed to figure out the connection between humidity and how it affects an individual’s lungs. The research comprised six participants with asthma and six participants without asthma. And the researchers tested their airway resistance, i.e., how easy it is for a person to breathe.

These participants experienced hot, humid air (49C and 75% to 80% humidity), and after four minutes, the airway resistance for the healthy group increased by 22% and for asthma sufferers, it increased by 112%.

How Does Humid Air Affect Asthma?

The increased humidity levels are likely to heighten the asthma symptoms by stimulating a medical condition called bronchoconstriction, i.e., constricting the airways. 

Breathing in humid air activates C fibres- sensory nerve fibres in the lungs that narrow and tighten your airways, which further stimulates coughing, making it harder for you to breathe.

In addition, dust mites, pollen, and mould tend to thrive at higher humidity levels, ranging from 70% to 80%. These substances often trigger asthma attacks. Furthermore, you can witness increased air pollution in hot and humid weather, setting off asthma attacks. For example, ozone- an air pollutant rises with the increased humidity levels and affects your breathing capacity.

Signs and Symptoms to Recognize if Asthma is Triggered by Humidity

The most convenient way to pinpoint whether your asthma symptoms are triggered by humidity is to see if your existing symptoms flare up in a hot and humid environment. Besides this, here outlined are the common signs and symptoms of asthma:

• Trouble breathing or breath shortness

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Tightness in the chest

Tips to Manage Asthma in a Hot and Humid Environment

Although you don’t have any control over the weather outside, you can follow the below given precautionary and preventive tips to manage your asthma symptoms in a hot and humid environment:

• Check the Air Quality

During summer, consider checking the air quality regularly before stepping out. The air quality index will let you know about the daily level of pollutants, like smog. 

Air quality is usually worse on hot and humid days; thus, more pollutants in the air can make it harder for an asthmatic person to breathe. You should stay inside these days to prevent your asthma symptoms from developing or flaring up. 

• Stay Cool and Hydrated

Staying cool and hydrated can significantly help manage asthma symptoms during increased humidity. You can consume hydration-rich, healthy foods and beverages to keep you cool and hydrated. Moreover, see to it you drink at least 7-8 glasses of water regularly as it helps thin the mucus in your lungs, making breathing easier. 

Regulating indoor temperature by running an air conditioner or placing fresh indoor plants can help you stay cool in the hot weather.

• Plan Activities Wisely

Timing is critical to managing asthma flare-ups during outdoor activities in a hot and humid environment. You should consider completing all necessary outdoor activities in the morning when temperatures and humidity levels are generally low.

Furthermore, if the humidity levels are extremely high, avoid exercising outdoors. You can work out in a gym, pool, or air-conditioned place.

• Maintain a Clean Environment

Regularly clean your home and surroundings to prevent pollutants from accumulating and triggering asthma. Keeping your house clean will reduce exposure to mould, dust, allergens, and other irritants.

• Control Humidity Indoors

Humidity is not just an outdoor concept; it can also develop indoors. While it’s impossible to control humidity levels outdoors, you can control it inside your house. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests maintaining 30% to 50% humidity.

You can prevent the accumulation of asthma-triggering substances like mould, dust mites, or pollen with decreased humidity levels in your house. So, to reduce indoor humidity, you can use a dehumidifier, open windows in the bathroom when bathing, run an air conditioner and fix leaky pipes.

• Keep Medication Accessible 

Your asthma can flare up unexpectedly during hot and humid weather. It’s advisable to keep your controller and quick-relief medications handy. Make sure that you don’t skip the prescribed doses of your asthma medications. In addition, consult with your healthcare provider about the action plan for unwarranted asthma flare episodes.

Concluding Words

Climate change has resulted in higher heat and humidity levels that present unique challenges for asthmatic individuals. It’s crucial for such people to take proactive steps to manage their asthmatic condition during extremely hot and humid weather.

If you suspect your humidity illness symptoms will flare up in this humid environment, consider consulting with Medanta asthma specialists for comprehensive treatment solutions.