As Missouri experiences high temperatures, the American Lung Association has shared advice to help people protect their lung health. The current heat wave poses particular risks for more than one million Missouri residents who have lung disease. According to the association, breathing hot and humid air can cause inflammation in the airways and make conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. People with asthma may also face additional challenges, as hot and humid conditions can trigger airway constriction.
"Extreme weather conditions, like the current heat wave, can be especially challenging for the 1,047,000 residents living with lung disease in Missouri. Inhaling hot, humid air can cause airway inflammation and exacerbate respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also be a trigger for people with asthma because breathing in hot, humid air induces airway constriction."
The American Lung Association recommends six steps to reduce health risks during periods of extreme heat. More information about these recommendations is available at https://www.lung.org/extreme-heat.
