Welcome to "Perk Up with Mandi," a blog dedicated to perking up your wellness through knowledge and shared experiences. I'm Mandi, a Family Nurse Practitioner passionate about guiding you towards a healthier, more vibrant life. Here, you'll find insights on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and chronic disease management. Through personal stories, expert advice, and practical tips, I aim to energize and empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. Join me on this journey towards vitality, where together we perk up, thrive, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
As July arrives, the shift in humidity levels becomes palpable, impacting our daily lives in ways we might not always recognize—especially when it comes to our respiratory health. Understanding how humidity affects our lungs is crucial, whether you're inside your home, outside on your back porch, or soaking in the cool breezes of a seaside retreat. In this post, we delve into a few key points to keep in mind as the humidity levels rise.
This post has been inspired by my mom Maria who is a new relatively new asthmatic.
Did you know that humidity directly affects the way we breathe? It does!
What is humidity? It is the amount of water vapor in the air.
When the humidity rises, so does the amount of water vapor in it. That makes the air feel heavier and feel more wet.
Now that its July and that humidity rises up here is what it can do to your lungs:
Increased Airway Irritation: High humidity levels can cause the airways to swell and become more sensitive, leading to increased irritation and discomfort.
Difficulty Breathing: Humid air is often thicker and harder to breathe, which can cause shortness of breath and make it difficult for individuals with asthma to get enough oxygen.
Triggering Asthma Symptoms: Humidity can trigger asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Enhanced Allergens: Humidity promotes the growth of mold, dust mites, and other allergens that can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections: Humid environments can promote the growth of bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, which can be particularly problematic for those with asthma.
Now that you know, here is what YOU can do when your air feels heavy and wet this summer:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory system hydrated.
Use Air Conditioning: Stay indoors with air conditioning or use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity levels.
Monitor Outdoor Air Quality: Check air quality indexes and avoid outdoor activities during high humidity or pollution alerts.
Manage Allergens: Keep indoor spaces clean to reduce mold, dust mites, and other allergens that thrive in humid conditions.
Take Breaks: If outdoors, take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to avoid overexertion in humid weather.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, which can be more common in humid conditions.
Use Respiratory Support: If you have a respiratory condition, follow your doctor's advice and use any prescribed medications or treatments as directed.
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