Extreme Heat: A New Challenge for Respiratory Health

In recent years, extreme heat has emerged as a major consequence of climate change, with effects extending far beyond mere discomfort. Heatwaves now pose a tangible risk to respiratory health, particularly for the elderly and patients suffering from asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and other chronic conditions. High temperatures drive up ozone pollution, alter pollen concentrations and dispersal, increase the risk of wildfires, and contribute to the formation of fine particulate matter. All these factors can exacerbate airway inflammation, trigger flare-ups, and lead to a rise in emergency room visits during the summer months. Even seemingly healthy individuals may experience the effects of intense heat through increased breathing difficulties during physical activity, reduced exercise tolerance, and heightened fatigue.

Practical tips for protecting your lungs during heatwaves When temperatures are high, it is advisable to take a few simple precautions—steps that are particularly important for those with respiratory conditions. It is recommended to: • avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, opting instead for the early morning or evening; • stay well-hydrated, unless advised otherwise by your doctor; • spend time in well-ventilated or air-conditioned environments, avoiding sudden, extreme temperature changes; • check air quality levels daily—especially in large cities—and limit outdoor activities when pollution or ozone levels are high; • adhere strictly to prescribed treatments and keep medications for managing potential flare-ups readily available; • pay special attention to elderly people living alone, as they are often less aware of the risks associated with the heat

Respiratory health is also a collective responsibility Protecting our lungs certainly means adopting healthy lifestyles, but today it also entails addressing the environmental challenges that affect the quality of the air we breathe. Respiratory health does not depend solely on individual choices; it is influenced by urban planning, emission reductions, the availability of green spaces, sustainable mobility, and effective policies to combat climate change. For this reason, respiratory medicine is increasingly called upon to engage with public health and environmental policy. Promoting lung health means not only treating diseases but also helping to create environments that are healthier, more resilient, and more livable. --- Extreme heat is no longer an exceptional event but a new reality that the medical community will have to contend with increasingly often. Protecting respiratory health today means learning to adapt to a changing climate without neglecting prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The lungs are among the organs most exposed to the environment; caring for them inevitably means caring for the environment in which we live.