How to Survive the Summer Living With COPD and Asthma
FORT MYERS, Fla. – July 14, 2015 – During the warmer summer months, people living with chronic breathing conditions like COPD and asthma have to be more cautious of flare-ups and attacks. To make the summer season more bearable, board certified pulmonologist Imtiaz Ahmad, M.D. with Allergy Sleep & Lung Care provides helpful tips to keep symptoms at bay.
COPD, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a disease in which lung irritants have damaged the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Asthma is a long-term lung disease in which the airways can become inflamed and narrowed which allows less air to pass through.
“During the warm months, it is important to avoid breathing in hot air and get allergies under control using avoidance techniques or medication if needed,” says Dr. Ahmad. “Pay attention to the air quality index and if the quality is poor, be sure to stay inside as that will cause a flare or an attack. There are great apps and resources online to help track air quality and allergens in the air.”
It’s important to avoid being outside for extensive amounts of time. Running errands and other outside tasks should be completed early in the morning as the heat and humid have not fully set in yet. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Dr. Ahmad offers an alternative outdoor hobby.
“Swimming is recommended as it lowers the chance of getting overheated. It also helps those with COPD or asthma stay active, an important part of a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Ahmad.
Another tip is to keep indoor humidity low by using a dehumidifier. This will help clear the moisture in the air, as well as prevent dust mites, mold and humidity-related allergens.
“It’s important that people with COPD and Asthma are more cautious of how to make the summer months more bearable so they continue their day-to-day lives with fewer or no interruptions,” Dr. Ahmad stated.
For those experiencing breathing problems but have not been diagnosed with an illness, it is important to visit a physician to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Allergy Sleep & Lung Care offers advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans for those with breathing disorders.
For more information about Allergy Sleep & Lung Care, please visit www.LungCare.net, or call (239) 437-6670.
About Allergy Sleep & Lung Care
Allergy Sleep & Lung Care is dedicated to improving and maintaining the health status of their patients by providing compassionate, top quality care. The respected practice provides excellence in patient care with the innovation that counts. The highly experienced team continues to provide a level of care and treatment that is unmatched on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Allergy Sleep & Lung Care is located at 16420 HealthPark Commons Drive, Suite 100 Fort Myers, FL 33908, with a second location at 260 Beth Stacey Boulevard, Suite 220 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.