It is always important to know what is going on in the world of COPD/Asthma, hence a new weekly (at the minimum) posting of ‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ – because those of us battling the issue should always be up to date on what is going on, and that includes both the positives and the negatives of the COPD/Asthma life.

With the weather recently having trouble in figuring out if it still had some winter to throw at folks before spring totally settles in, it seems logical to touch base with the effects of COPD/Asthma from what is happening with the weather.

So, let’s see just what possible effects that you should be watching for when the weather may be getting ready to change or may be settling in for a lengthy period of being either hot or cold and/or dry or humid.

Special Note – This writer, who has been a severe asthmatic since early childhood, remembers his mother referring to him as her human barometer because when the weather was getting ready to change, she would know just by the changes in my breathing or lung stamina.  So, for nearly a lifetime, this writer has dealt with the weather and the games it plays on my lungs and breathing.

With that I encourage you to go back and check on my previous posting if you missed it, part one that is, because this is part two of a lengthy article which I put together from a posting on a medical internet site for which I forgot to write the name down of when I copied to share the article itself.

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The Connection Between COPD and Weather – Part 2

Tips to Help You Weather the Elements –

You’ll have to pay close attention to the weather for the good of your lungs, and sometimes that means you shouldn’t interact with the great outdoors. But it’s not always a good idea to shut yourself up inside, especially is your indoor space isn’t quite as clean and clear as you would hope.

Get a handle on when to stay in, when to venture out, and how to counteract some of the discomforts that are impossible to avoid.

Perfect Your Timing –

If weather alerts are on, it’s best to stay inside, where you know the air is more comfortable to breathe. When you need to step out, you should plan around the early to late afternoon; mornings and evenings are generally cooler, and the air quality is often at its best.

In winter, it’s a good idea to wait until the wind dies down, since a brisk breeze can challenge your airways as much as a fluctuation in temperature. Wrap a scarf around your face, and try to breathe through your nose to avoid shocking your airways.

Control Your Humidity –

Air purifiers can help rid the air of all sorts of irritants, but a simple dehumidifier (or humidifier) may be all you need to breathe better at home. This is especially important when you live in a changeable climate, where severe winters and humid summers can send your humidity levels up and down.

Whichever model you choose, be sure to clean it regularly – as particles build up on the filter, and old water is left to sit in the reservoir, your device won’t work as well (and might become a breeding ground for more irritants).

Turn up Your Air Conditioner –

Cooler, drier air in your home can fight the effects of heavy humidity, but running an air conditioner also means that the windows and doors stay shut. Not only will this reduce the chances of mold spores and dust mites multiplying, you’ll also limit the number of outdoor irritants that make their way into your indoor space.

Not too long ago, doctors would often recommend a cross-country move for better breathing, but most experts today agree that the solution is not that simple. The fact that weather impacts lung disease is undeniable, but the way it affects each person’s COPD can differ.

It’s important that, above all else, you listen to your body and note how it your lungs react to various changes. Keeping track in a COPD journal may illuminate some triggers or potential sources of relief that you had not thought of before.

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‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ will continue to feature writings from medical folks and caretakers who share insights into the world of what may be going on in the world of COPD/Asthma.  ‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ can be found at either wheezingaway.com or within the Facebook page, COPD Travels.

Remember – ‘a person without good breathing, is a person without a good life’, so let’s do what we can, to learn what we can, to improve what we can.

I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.

(Copyright@2017, CrossDove Writer through wheezingaway.com – no part of this write may be used or copied without written permission.)

NOTES: Sometimes we share what may seem like medical information, but we are only giving descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical treatment type of information, always consult your physician for more, clearer and more medical founded information.