Respiratory, Hayfever and Hot weather conditions

Greetings all

Now that we are heading for the warmer weather, its time to share our experiences of what may help us tolerate the warmer weather better.

Air born pollutants are high at the moment in the form of pollen, I get hayfever and airway narrowing under these conditions and for this I take an anti histamine as required, I get these prescribed by my doctor and I find this medication helps a lot at this time of year or when pollen counts are high

I personally find that using an anti histamine allows me to go out and about without cause for concern about the high pollen counts.

It's a good idea to carry our reliever medicine with us at all times throughout the year as is advised and recommended by health professionals.

I do a newsletter for our local breathe easy group which includes some of my own and BLF's advice on looking after our lungs as the weather heats up, as our lung condition/s can be aggravated by heat, air born pollutants etc. Below are some of the tips you can use during this time of year and as the hotter weather approaches.

1. If you suffer from hay fever or any air born pollutants do speak with your doctor who may prescribe you with a suitable anti-histamine.

2. Take with you at all times reliever medicine and your mobile phone to use in cases of emergency.

3. Carry with you a business card on which is printed your name, ICE contact (ICE = in case of emergency), list your condition/s and your medications (heart, lung, diabetec meds etc) OR purchase a medic Alert item of jewellry which is linked to the emergency services.

4. Avoid going outside during the hottest times of day 12-2pm

5. Avoid excessive physical activity, or do it in the cooler ends of the day.

6. Keep the windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. If safe, open windows at night when the air is cooler.

7. When season is very hot and the sun is full on your windows, always keep the curtain drawn to try and keep in door temperatures down.

8. Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

9. Drink water or fruit juice regularly (avoid alcohol, tea or coffee).

10. Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors and remember to take any medication that you might need with you.

11. Avoid areas of high pollution – sunlight can react with pollutants to form especially harmful substances such as ozone and oxides of nitrogen.

12. Check pollution levels in your area.

13. Make sure you drink plenty of water and carry some with you when you are out.

14. If you suffer from hay fever badly during the summer you can check pollen levels by listening to your local weather news for details, check with the met office and seek your doctors advice and recommendation on what you should do personally in these circumstances.

Hope you find this information useful.

Take good care

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