When the weather gets hot and humid, it’s important for people living with COPD to take the proper precautions to stay safe and feeling good. Your body has to work extra hard to maintain your blood flow and body temperature when you are out in the heat, and all this extra work requires more oxygen. Because of this, some people with COPD notice an increase in symptoms during the summer time.
While being outdoors and enjoying the nice weather is a great part of summer, it’s important to be prepared to prevent any discomfort. Here are a few tips for managing your COPD during the warm months:
- Stay indoors, especially during the middle of the day
When the sun is high and the temperatures rise, it’s a great idea to find a cool indoor place to relax for a while. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, considering spending time in places that do, like libraries, movie theaters, or shopping malls.
- Stay hydrated
Make sure that you always have cool, fresh water nearby, and sip at regular intervals. Staying hydrated helps your body maintain a safe temperature and blood pressure, while reducing stress on your lungs.
- Travel lightly
If you choose to go out and about, try to pack as lightly as possible. Wear loose fitting clothing, and carry a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator, so you can stay cool and move freely.
Living with COPD doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys of summer. With the right equipment and preparation, you can stay safe and savor this beautiful time of year.
Portable Oxygen Solutions strives to sell the best and most affordable portable oxygen concentrators online. We are not exclusive to any one manufacturer, so when you come to us you can be rest assured we will work to get the best portable oxygen concentrator suited for your needs.