Summer brings days out, holidays and festivals, but for those with lung conditions, it can also be a risky time of year.
High pollen levels, pollution, heat, and even smoke from things like BBQs can be dangerous, so it’s important to know what precautions those who are vulnerable need to take, say Asthma + Lung UK.

“Things like hot weather, dust in the atmosphere, or higher levels of pollen can make it harder for those with lung illnesses to breathe. Strong emotions, stress and even laughing a lot are also known asthma triggers, so we want people to be armed with the knowledge they need to protect themselves while enjoying themselves in the sun.”
Here are the summertime triggers to look out for and how people with lung conditions can protect themselves.

Pollen

Pollen levels tend to be highest between May and September.
“Pollen is a trigger for almost half of people living with asthma and a quarter of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Radford says.

Again, minimise the impact of pollen with your inhalers.

“Taking antihistamines or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce their allergic reaction to pollen is also really important,” she adds, “As it’s this allergic reaction that can cause your airways to narrow and fill with mucus, potentially setting off an asthma attack.”


Aerosols

“Sweating more in the heat means you may want to carry things like deodorant or hairspray with you while commuting to work. But some of these sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause irritation to the lungs and may increase the risk of experiencing symptoms or having an asthma attack,” Radford suggests.
“If you live with a lung condition, your airways are more likely to be irritated, so try to use allergy-friendly and chemical-free products, which have lower levels of VOCs and are usually fragrance-free, on your travels.”

You may also benefit from using solid products, like roll-on deodorant. Unlike sprays, these won’t get into the air for you to breathe in.

Dust

Dusty holiday homes, camping equipment or sun loungers that have been kept in storage can contain dust mites, which many people with lung conditions like asthma are allergic to. This allergic reaction can cause your airways to inflame and produce more mucus, Radford says.

If you’re getting dusty items out of storage, vacuum them or wipe them down with a damp cloth before use, ideally outdoors – or get someone else to do this for you.

Make sure you carry antihistamine medicine in case your dust allergy is triggered.


Smoke

There are likely to be people puffing away on cigarettes or vapes outdoors when the weather is nice, and it’s wise to stay away from them if you have a lung condition.

“Smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke can not only make existing symptoms such as breathlessness worse and trigger asthma attacks, but it can also cause many lung conditions, including COPD, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and lung cancer,” says Radford.

“Smoke from BBQs or grills can also trigger asthma so if you are hosting a gathering, try and get someone else to cook and stand well away from the area.”


Mould

Hot, damp environments like the inside of a tent can be breeding grounds for mould spores, which can grow in damp places in just 24 hours, says Radford.

“If you are allergic to mould, this can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing or sneezing. In those with asthma, it could trigger asthma symptoms. Exposure to mould can also cause an allergy or hypersensitivity to it, or a fungal infection within the lungs.”

So if you are going camping this summer and do notice mould or a damp and musty smell in your tent or on sleeping bags, make sure it’s removed and they’re fully dried and aired afterwards.