Special precautions for Asthma patients in summer

Changes in weather have a significant impact on the human body. Although winter has ended and spring has begun, global warming has resulted in persistently high temperatures. Doctors warn that such weather fluctuations can contribute to the spread of various diseases.

At the beginning of Falgun (spring), an intense heatwave has swept across the country, causing health issues for many. Respiratory illnesses such as colds, coughs, fever, influenza, tonsillitis, sneezing, and even pneumonia have become more prevalent.

Professor Dr. A.B.M. Abdullah, an Ekushey Padak-winning medicine specialist, stated that individuals of all ages with comorbid conditions are at higher risk of tonsillitis. Additionally, patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer face increased health risks.

He advised those suffering from respiratory diseases—especially asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other lung-related conditions—to be extra cautious during this hot weather. He also emphasized the importance of taking prescribed medications regularly.

Dr. Abdullah explained that the sudden rise in temperature and the transition from winter have led to increased humidity and dust in the air, which aggravates respiratory problems. The combination of high humidity and airborne dust poses serious health risks for asthma patients and others with respiratory issues.

He advised such patients to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and direct sunlight. If going outside is essential, wearing a mask is highly recommended. Those who work in the sun should use umbrellas for protection.

Dr. Abdullah emphasized that asthma can flare up at any time of the year, not just in winter or extreme cold. While asthma is often hereditary, its symptoms tend to worsen in both winter and summer. Hot weather can trigger inflammation in the airways, leading to breathing difficulties and mucus buildup, which results in increased coughing and shortness of breath.

When asked about the factors contributing to worsened asthma symptoms during summer, he stated that higher humidity levels make the air heavier, making it harder to breathe, especially for asthma patients.

Air-conditioned environments can also be problematic for asthma sufferers. He recommended that they stay in well-ventilated spaces rather than spending prolonged periods in artificially cooled environments.

Allergies are another major trigger for asthma. Heat can cause skin rashes, itching, and allergic reactions. Those with long-term respiratory issues should be extra cautious in the summer. Allergic reactions can also be caused by certain foods or clothing, so patients should be mindful of their triggers.

Dr. A.B.M. Abdullah also highlighted the risks of consuming unhygienic street food, especially during Ramadan. Many vendors sell a variety of delicious iftar items, but he advised people to avoid them. To stay cool, people often drink colorful street beverages like sugarcane juice, but these can be unsafe. He strongly recommended avoiding such drinks.

To protect children, he advised parents to keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid giving them roadside drinks, open fruit juices, sugarcane juice, or ice cream. Instead, children should be given boiled and purified water at home.

Doctors from icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh) have reported a significant increase in diarrhea cases due to the extreme heat. The demand for drinking water has risen, leading to the consumption of unsafe water and food. Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

If children must go outside, parents should ensure they carry clean drinking water from home and use an umbrella for protection. Children should also be bathed daily to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Since children enjoy playing with water, Dr. Abdullah recommended limiting bath time to 5-15 minutes. Hair should be shampooed at least twice a week, and it is essential to dry their hair properly after bathing to prevent colds and infections.