Tips for Asthma Sufferers in Summer Heat

We're on day three of stifling heat and high humidity with a long summer of heat ahead.

Those with asthma are at risk of medical compliations from an increase of heat and humity, according to a Rutgers University professor.

Leonard Bielory, an allergy specialist at the Rutgers Center of Environmental Prediction at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, offered the following tips for asthma sufferers:    

• Minimize strenuous outdoor physical activity in excessive heat and humidity, particularly sports that require short bursts of energy, like baseball, football and gymnastics.
• Take prescribed medications by your allergist or immunologist at recommended doses.
• Use air conditioning in the home and car to stay cool and dry.
• Air out tents, tree houses or other confined quarters where mold spores could trigger an asthma attack.
• Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed to remove allergens from your hair and avoid them getting on your pillow.

“More than 90% of pediatric and half of adult asthma attacks are caused by environmental allergens and irritants such as smoke, pollen and animal dander,” Bielory said, in a news release.