Climate Change and Extreme Weather: How Heat, Wildfires or Storms Affect the Respiratory Tract – Tips for Protection

As temperatures rise and heat waves lengthen, ozone levels also increase. Ozone forms when exhaust gases from smokestacks and tailpipes react in hot, stagnant air. Climate change creates conditions – heat and stagnation – that make unhealthful ozone levels more likely. This ground‑level ozone irritates mucous membranes and triggers coughing, shortness of breath and asthma attacks.

Tips:

• Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) and ozone alerts on hot days. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, values above 101 are unhealthy for asthmatics.
• Schedule physical activities for early mornings and avoid afternoons with high ozone concentrations.
• Seek shade and stay hydrated to avoid overheating.

Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts increase the risk of wildfires. Globally, fire seasons are getting longer and the area burned is expanding. Wildfire smoke contains particles (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) and gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides; these substances react in the atmosphere to form additional particulates and ground‑level ozone. Studies show that wildfire smoke frequently leads to asthma exacerbations, as measured by hospital and emergency visits. Dust storms caused by parched soils also contribute to high particulate levels.

Tips:

• When wildfire smoke or a dust storm is present: keep windows and doors closed and use HEPA‑filter air purifiers.
• Avoid outdoor exertion when smoke is visible or smells strong.
• Wear FFP2 masks outdoors to reduce inhalation of fine particles.

Storms strain the respiratory tract not only by damaging infrastructure but also through “thunderstorm asthma”: during thunderstorms, airflows can concentrate large amounts of aeroallergens at ground level. High humidity and rainfall cause grass pollen to rupture, releasing hundreds of microscopic allergen particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Sensitive individuals may experience severe asthma attacks within minutes. A systematic review found that thunderstorms increase the risk of asthma events by 1.24‑fold; extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods and dust storms generally increase the risk of asthma symptoms and hospitalizations.

Tips:

• If a thunderstorm is approaching, move indoors and stay there.
• Keep windows closed during the storm; ventilate only after it has passed.
• At‑risk individuals should have their rescue medication (e.g., bronchodilators) within easy reach and make use of weather alerts.

Climate change causes many plants to bloom earlier and longer; higher temperatures and CO₂ levels increase pollen production. Longer growing seasons can prolong allergy seasons – especially for ragweed and other weeds. Increased rainfall and moisture also raise the risk of mold growth indoors. All of this means more potential asthma‑allergy triggers throughout the year.

Tips:

• Use pollen calendars and apps to avoid high‑pollen days. See Seasonal allergies throughout the year: Asthma allergy & pollen for details.
• Keep indoor humidity between 40–50 % to prevent mold growth.
• A hike in low‑pollen regions can provide relief; whether you head to the coast or the mountains is explained in Sea vs Mountains.

The Breathment App helps you monitor environmental factors affected by climate change and extreme weather:

• Ozone & Fine Dust Levels: The app uses real‑time data from monitoring stations and warns you when concentrations are critical, so you can move activities indoors or wear protective masks.
• Humidity & Temperature: During heat waves, the app shows when it’s best to stay in the shade; if humidity is too high, you can take measures to prevent mites and mold.
• Pollen & Grasses: With regional pollen forecasts, you know when tree, grass or weed pollen peaks – crucial when thunderstorms are predicted.
• Individual Symptom Logging: The diary feature helps you see whether heat, smoke or storms worsen your symptoms. The app suggests breathing exercises and reminds you of medications.

These features let you respond better to extreme events and recognize long‑term patterns between weather and your asthma air.

Climate change and extreme weather increase the burden on our respiratory systems: heat boosts ozone formation, drought and wildfires raise particulate pollution and extend pollen seasons. Thunderstorms can trigger severe asthma attacks within minutes, and extreme weather events raise general asthma morbidity. With timely information, smart planning and the support of the Breathment App, you remain in control: check weather alerts, avoid high exposures and use air‑quality tools. This way you can stay active despite climate change and protect your lungs.

Stay informed and explore our other articles: City air or country air? shows how where you live affects asthma air; Using Weather & Air Quality shows how to integrate forecasts into your daily routine.