Extreme Heat Adversely Affects COPD Patients

Extreme Heat Negatively Impacts COPD Patients Solunum Derneği TÜSAD, emphasizing that complaints among COPD patients may increase due to above-normal seasonal temperatures and high humidity, has issued a warning to exercise particular caution on days when temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius and humidity surpasses 60 percent. TÜSAD COPD Working Group Head Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Onur Turan stated, "COPD patients should not go outside in extreme heat, should exercise during morning cool hours, and should continue taking their medications." Above-normal seasonal air temperatures and high humidity have been affecting citizens across the country for some time. Chronic respiratory patients, and particularly those with COPD, are among the groups most affected by extreme heat. Continuing its warnings due to record-breaking temperatures expected to persist in the coming days, the Turkish Respiratory Research Society (TÜSAD) has stated that on days when air temperature exceeds 30 degrees and humidity surpasses 60 percent, COPD patients must protect themselves from the heat and continue taking their medications regularly.

COPD exacerbations are generally more frequent during winter months, but TÜSAD COPD Working Group Head Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Onur Turan, noting that COPD patients may be adversely affected due to extreme heat and high humidity levels, provided the following information:

"Humidity levels considered ideal range between 30-60 percent. For COPD patients, this rate is desired to be between 40-50 percent. When it exceeds this range, excessive sweating, increased chest tightness sensation, shortness of breath, and elevated blood pressure may occur. This can lead to a sense of deterioration in COPD patients."

Recommendations for COPD patients

Turan, conveying that COPD patients can spend a comfortable summer with appropriate measures, listed the following precautions that can be taken: "On days when temperature exceeds 30 degrees and humidity surpasses 60 percent, patients should remain indoors and avoid going outside during midday hours, particularly between 12:00 and 17:00, drink plenty of water to minimize fluid loss, and consume foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and high protein content. Maintaining physical activity is very important for COPD patients. However, while high temperatures persist, these activities should be performed during cooler morning hours rather than during critical hours, and strenuous activities should be avoided. Another important issue concerns air conditioning. Prolonged periods in air-conditioned environments, which we frequently resort to during summer, should be avoided. Air conditioning units should be cleaned regularly and used under appropriate conditions to prevent air conditioning-related infections. COPD patients should continue taking their daily medications as advised by their doctors even during summer months and should carry their rescue medications with them to protect themselves from the adverse effects of heat."