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Summer brings days out, holidays and festivals, but for those with lung conditions it can also be a risky time of year. High pollen levels, pollution, heat, and even smoke from things like BBQs can be dangerous, so it’s important to know what precautions those who are vulnerable need to take, say Asthma + Lung UK. “We all look forward to summer and all the fun it brings with it, but people with asthma and other lung conditions must be careful to keep themselves safe too,” says Erika Radford, head of health advice at the charity. “Things like hot weather, dust in the atmosphere, or higher levels of pollen can make it harder for those with lung illnesses to breathe. Strong emotions, stress and even laughing a lot are also known asthma triggers, so we want people to be armed with the knowledge they need to protect themselves while enjoying themselves in the sun.” Here are the summertime triggers to look out for and how people with lung conditions can protect themselves. 1. Hot weather “Hot weather can be problematic for people with asthma or other lung conditions, because warmer air can cause the airways to narrow, leading to coughing and shortness of breath,” says Radford. “Strong sunshine also causes the level of ozone and other air pollutants in the atmosphere to rise, which can trigger symptoms.” She advises using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed and carrying your reliever inhaler everywhere. “Staying out of the heat and in shaded areas as much as possible and cooling down with a handheld fan can help relieve breathlessness. Keep hydrated with regular cold drinks and take a cool shower if you become too hot.” Also, make sure you keep inhalers in a cool place out of direct sunlight, so they continue to work well, and in a cool bag when you’re out and about. “Don’t add any ice to the bag though, as your inhaler needs to be kept dry,” she says. 2. Pollen Pollen levels tend to be highest between May and September. “Pollen is a trigger for almost half of people living with asthma and a quarter of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Radford says. Again, minimise the impact of pollen with your inhalers. “Taking antihistamines or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce their allergic reaction to pollen is also really important,” she adds, “As it’s this allergic reaction that can cause your airways to narrow and fill with mucus, potentially setting off an asthma attack.” 3. Aerosols “Sweating more in the heat means you may want to carry things like deodorant or hairspray with you while commuting to work. But some of these sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause irritation to the lungs and may increase the risk of experiencing symptoms or having an asthma attack,” Radford suggests. “If you live with a lung condition, your airways are more likely to be irritated, so try to use allergy friendly and chemical-free products, which have lower levels of VOCs and are usually fragrance-free, on your travels.” You may also benefit from using solid products, like roll-on deodorant. Unlike sprays, these won’t get into the air for you to breathe in. 4. Dust Dusty holiday homes, camping equipment or sun loungers that have been kept in storage can contain dust mites, which many people with lung conditions like asthma are allergic to. This allergic reaction can cause your airways to inflame and produce more mucus, Radford says. If you’re getting dusty items out of storage, vacuum them or wipe them down with a damp cloth before use, ideally outdoors – or get someone else to do this for you. If you use airtight plastic bags or boxes when you pack the items away again, they are likely to get less dusty through the year when not in use. Make sure you carry antihistamine medicine in case your dust allergy is triggered. 5. Smoke There are likely to be people puffing away on cigarettes or vapes outdoors when the weather is nice, and it’s wise to stay away from them if you have a lung condition. “Smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke can not only make existing symptoms such as breathlessness worse and trigger asthma attacks, it can also cause many lung conditions, including COPD, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and lung cancer,” says Radford. “Smoke from BBQs or grills can also trigger asthma so if you are hosting a gathering, try and get someone else to cook and stand well away from the area.” 6. Mould Hot, damp environments like the inside of a tent can be breeding grounds for mould spores, which can grow in damp places in just 24 hours, says Radford. “If you are allergic to mould, this can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing or sneezing. In those with asthma, it could trigger asthma symptoms. Exposure to mould can also cause an allergy or hypersensitivity to it, or a fungal infection within the lungs.” So if you are going camping this summer and do notice mould or a damp and musty smell in your tent or on sleeping bags, make sure it’s removed and they’re fully dried and aired afterwards. For more information on how to stay safe with a lung condition visit asthmaandlung.org.uk or call the Asthma + Lung UK helpline on: 0300 222 5800. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Imposter syndrome – what is it and why does Kim Kardashian have it? 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A pharmacist has said that frequently rubbing your eyes can lead to more serious eye issues. Symptoms of hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to pollen, include sneezing, coughing, rashes, blocked noses, headaches, and itchy red eyes meaning it is natural to want to touch and rub your eyes in moments of discomfort. But community pharmacist Sultan Dajani, from eyecare brand Golden Eye, told The Mirror how allergies can cause more serious eye problems. Dajani said: "When we encounter an allergen, either from inhaling, swallowing, or simply by the skin coming into contact with it, the body goes into fighting mode and the immune system overreacts to the substance. "A protein known as IgE is produced to go after the allergen, and a chemical called histamine is released into the blood – and it is this that creates the symptoms commonly experienced. "So, in fact when we have these types of symptoms the body is functioning and doing its job to get rid of the allergen. "Though we need our body to react in this way, the symptoms themselves can really affect our general wellbeing, lowering our immune system and interrupting everyday activities." Dajani explained that frequently touching our eyes can open up the possibility for further eye problems or infections such as styes, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis. "Our hands come into contact with most things, from people to surfaces, making it easy to transfer bacteria and germs to our faces – and if we are reaching for our eyes, it’s easy for a simple rubbing of the eyes to develop into something else." Issues that could arise from this include a stye, which is a swollen lump on the eyelid or near the eyelashes. Dajani explained: "People tend to get more styes during allergy season. Allergies are known risk factors for styes. With the experience of itchy eye symptoms it can feel impossible not to rub them. One problem that could also be related to rubbing eyes is conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the eye often caused by a virus or bacteria. Blepharitis, when oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to irritation and redness of the eyes, can also be triggered by continuous touching or rubbing of the eyes, Dajani said. Read More Why do we get hay fever and what are the symptoms? Should I keep my windows closed or open in hot weather? What is Stiff Person Syndrome? Signs and symptoms of Celine Dion’s incurable condition The symptoms of hay fever in adults explained 7 tips and tricks for hay fever relief Bear Grylls urges parents to let their children ‘set own rules’ on social media usage

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