Home

Asthma News

Current News Story

Summer Breathing...and Some are Finding it Difficult

April 2008

When smog levels are high, Chris Haromy says his lungs feel raw. Having had asthma all his life, enjoying the warmer weather isn’t always easy. He can quickly become short of breath and it takes him longer to recover. As a certified asthma educator with The Lung Association, he can relate to callers who say they are having a hard time breathing during the summer months. He’s been there. Done it. And now helps write the plan.

Air pollution is everywhere, indoors and out, year round, often with higher levels in the summer. In Ontario, pollution levels tend to be highest in southern Ontario, partly due to trans-boundary pollution coming from industrialized areas in the USA. And, since pollution can travel hundreds of kilometres in the wind, you may be surprised to know that your fresh cottage country air, isn’t.

“People with asthma can run into trouble if they are heading to the cottage and forget to pack their medication,” says Chris, who, along with his Asthma Action colleagues, provide asthma counseling to more than 5,000 callers each year. “Spring cottages can be the perfect storm for an asthma flare up, with dust mites, dampness and mould wreaking havoc on your airways.”

Effects on asthma

Air pollution may be a factor in actually causing asthma in an individual. For example, a recent US study showed that exercising outdoors often in communities with high levels of ozone pollution may increase the risk of developing asthma in school-aged children.

Secondly, air pollution can lead to symptoms, flare-ups, and hospitalizations in those who already have asthma. Plus the effects of inhaling air pollution into the lungs can be made worse when someone is simultaneously exposed to one or more of their known allergens such as pollens, pet allergens and dust mites.

“I love the outdoors but noticed that I used to lose control of my asthma in late spring, probably because of the combination of higher pollution levels and my pollen allergies,” says Chris, who lives in southern Ontario and has tracked his asthma patterns over the last few years. “I now watch my asthma more closely at this time. If I notice any symptoms, I give myself the same advice I give to others: I adjust my medications according to the asthma action plan my doctor gave me.”

Although exercising in the summer pollution can sometimes be difficult for those with asthma, Chris says he can usually play tennis and soccer without any limits. “Unless the pollution levels are high, I don’t usually have any problems playing outdoor sports when my asthma is under control. But I know some people with asthma who sometimes have problems exercising even when the pollution is at moderate levels.” Chris stresses that each person should know his or her limits and keep their asthma as well controlled as possible.

Tips for Surviving Smog Season

Since air pollution can affect anyone’s health, whether you have asthma or not, everyone should take steps to reduce your own exposure and do your part to reduce air pollution.

Steps to keep you healthy:
• Monitor air quality:
- Air Quality Index (AQI): www.airqualityontario.com
- Recording of readings and forecasts in Ontario: 1-800-387-7768 (French readings: 1-800-221-8852)
- Air Quality Health Index (AQHI – currently only for GTA): www.airhealth.ca
• When pollution or allergens are at levels that affect you:
- Keep windows and doors closed in your home and car
- Stay in a cool, clean environment
- Minimize outdoor activity and only exercise indoors in a cool clean environment
• Air pollution can build up through the day in the hot summer sun and be highest late afternoon, especially in high traffic areas during rush hour
• Pollen levels tend to be highest in the morning especially on dry, windy days
• Thunderstorms can lead to higher levels of airborne pollution and allergens
• Keep your asthma under good control so that when you are exposed to an unavoidable trigger such as air pollution, it will be less likely to bother you:
- Take any needed asthma medications as prescribed
- Adjust your medications according to your asthma action plan if you start to have any asthma symptoms
- Avoid your asthma triggers

Your commitment to clean air

There are many simple measures you can take to reduce the air pollution you produce:
• Reducing vehicle use is a very effective way to reduce air pollution:
- Carpool
- Use public transit
- Bike or walk to work – but be mindful if you have a lung condition, as this may not be possible especially on days with high pollution or pollen
• Use cold water to wash clothes and reduce or avoid use of dryer
• In the summer:
- If you use an air conditioner, reduce its use when possible
- Close window coverings to keep the heat out

To learn how to take control of your asthma or for an asthma action plan, call The Lung Association’s Asthma Action Helpline at 1-800-668-7682 or visit www.on.lung.ca.

News Archive