Video: Do's and don'ts to beat the heat with COPD Share Facebook Twitter Print details You know the feeling. It's hot and the air is heavy with humidity. You feel as if you just can't get enough air into your lungs. What can you do to feel comfortable with COPD on a sweaty summer day? Watch for 6 tips from Mayo Clinic experts for keeping cool and symptom-free in hot weather. Mostrar la transcripción Do's and don'ts to beat the heat with COPD Hot weather can cause COPD symptoms to flare. So get your game plan in place before temps rise. DO lower the temp inside — and keep moving. If you can turn on A/C, do it. Then, stay active with cleaning chores you've been avoiding. DON'T forget to clean your fans. They can help improve your breathing, but make sure you're not blowing dust into your lungs. DO keep a supply of ice. Drinking cool water feels good in the heat, but it also thins mucous for easier clearing. DON'T ignore creeping humidity levels. A dehumidifier in your bedroom helps control heavy air moisture. 40% is ideal for COPD. DO lighten up your meal plan. Explore fresh fruit and veggie-focused recipes that don't require heavy cooking or oven time. DON'T be afraid to cool off in the pool. Low-impact aquatic workouts have been shown to build strength and improve pulmonary function. Guidance from the experts at Mayo Clinic.Get more healthy action tips delivered daily when you download the Mayo Clinic app. Mostrar referencias Does humidity affect COPD? Lung Institute. https://lunginstitute.com/humidity-copd/. Accessed Sept. 24, 2024. Managing COPD in the summer. National Emphysema Foundation. http://www.emphysemafoundation.org/index.php/component/content/article/97-therapeutic-toolbox-articles/224-managing-copd-in-the-summer. Accessed Jan. 15, 2019. De Souto Araujo ZT, et al. Effectiveness of low-intensity aquatic exercise on COPD: A randomized clinical trial. Respiratory medicine. 2012; doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2012.06.022. Marchetti N, et al. Air current applied to the face improves exercise performance in patients with COPD. Lung. 2015; doi:10.1007/s00408-015-9780-0. Nutrition and COPD. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/living-with-copd/nutrition.html. Accessed Jan. 22, 2019. Best (and worst) weather for COPD. Lung Institute. https://lunginstitute.com/best-weather-for-copd/. Accessed Sept. 24, 2024. Rondanelli M, et al. Food pyramid for subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2020; doi:10.2147/COPD.S240561. VID-20466710