HEALTH bosses are giving advice to people with a chronic lung condition on how to cope in the heat.

Heat, humidity and sudden changes in weather can make it harder to breathe and trigger symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Dr Carl Ellson, chief clinical officer for NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “When the weather is warmer, the body has to use extra energy to try and cool itself down in order to maintain a normal body temperature. This extra energy causes the body to demand more oxygen.

“If you have COPD, you’re already using much of your energy just to breathe, not to mention everything else that you do during the day. So, it’s not uncommon to experience a greater level of shortness of breath when you’re exposed to extreme temperatures.

“Many plants and allergens can make COPD worse. So, be aware of what affects you and talk to your doctor about selecting allergy medications or inhalers that will best support your breathing in the summer heat."

Advice includes taking your medication as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Continuous medication can help prevent flare-ups.

They urged those with COPD to get support from family and friends if they live alone, make arrangements with family or friends to check on them regularly and to check the weather forecast regularly.

They are also advised to keep cool, make sure they don’t burn when they are in the sun by wearing a sun screen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and to keep hydrated throughout the day.

Advice also includes drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and eating more cold food, particularly salads and fruit which contain water.

Other ways to stay as cool as possible include avoiding going out in the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm), stay in the coolest rooms in your home as much as possible and keep windows closed while the room is cooler than outside of the house and have regular showers or baths and splash yourself with water several times.