With Met Éireann issuing heat and forest fire warnings across much of Ireland in the past week, people with asthma are being urged to take extra care during the current spell of hot weather. Hot, humid weather, smoke from wildfires and barbecues, and high pollen levels can all make asthma symptoms worse and increase the risk of an asthma attack.
The Asthma Society of Ireland is encouraging everyone with asthma to take simple steps to stay well, with particular care needed for children, older people and anyone whose asthma is not well controlled.
Hot and humid conditions can make breathing more difficult and trigger asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Warm, humid nights can also cause symptoms to worsen overnight or in the early hours of the morning.
As periods of extreme heat become more common, understanding how weather affects your asthma is becoming an increasingly important part of managing your condition.
Alongside the hot weather, a national forest fire warning has also been in place. Smoke from wildfires contains tiny particles that can travel considerable distances and be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing irritation and inflammation that may trigger asthma symptoms.
Smoke from barbecues can also affect some people with asthma. If smoke is present in your area, try to minimise your exposure by staying indoors where possible, keeping windows closed if outdoor air quality is poor, and avoiding smoky environments.
The current spell of hot weather also coincides with high pollen levels across much of Ireland. Around 80% of people with asthma also experience hay fever, meaning many people may be exposed to several asthma triggers at the same time.
Checking the daily pollen forecast and taking your prescribed preventer medication can help reduce the impact of these seasonal triggers.
To help reduce your risk of asthma symptoms during periods of hot weather:
Parents, sports coaches, camp leaders and childcare providers are encouraged to take extra precautions to protect children with asthma during periods of hot weather. Where possible, strenuous activities should be planned for cooler parts of the day, with regular breaks, plenty of fluids and access to shade.
Older people with asthma or other lung conditions can also be more vulnerable during prolonged periods of heat. Family members, neighbours and carers are encouraged to check in regularly to ensure they are keeping cool, staying hydrated and managing their asthma well.
If your asthma symptoms are getting worse, don’t ignore them. Speak to your GP or asthma healthcare professional for advice.
If you experience severe breathing difficulties or your symptoms do not improve after using your reliever inhaler, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 112 or 999.
Our free Asthma Adviceline and WhatsApp messaging service are available throughout the summer.
You can speak with one of our specialist asthma nurse or physiotherapist by calling 1800 44 54 64 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or by messaging our nurse-led WhatsApp service on 086 059 0132. You can also book a free nurse call using the button below.
Please note these are not emergency services.
