Pulmonary Fibrosis and Summer Heat: How to Avoid Harming Your Lungs

If you’re living with pulmonary fibrosis, it can be difficult to breathe. Add in summer heat, and it can get even harder to catch your breath.

“Hot weather poses some real problems for those living with pulmonary fibrosis,” says Dr. Spenser Staub, a board-certified, fellowship-trained pulmonologist who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Pulmonary Specialists. “Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage summer triggers, breathe more easily and maintain your quality of life as the temperature gets higher.”

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What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

“Pulmonary” refers to the lungs, and “fibrosis” means scar tissue or scarring. Therefore, pulmonary fibrosis is lung scarring.

The condition is a type of interstitial lung disease (ISD), a group of diseases that cause lung inflammation, scarring or both. When scarred, the air sacs in the lungs stiffen, making it difficult to breathe and lowering your oxygen levels.

According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, there are more than 200 types of pulmonary fibrosis. They’re typically classified by their cause, such as:

• Autoimmune (or connective tissue) disease-related
• Drug-induced
• Environmental
• Occupational
• Radiation-induced

While the above list covers many cases, the American Lung Association reports that the most common type is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This form of the disease has no known cause.

Causes and Risk Factors

“Though we often can’t reverse the root cause of pulmonary fibrosis, we can identify common causes and risk factors,” Dr. Staub says. “Understanding these can help you identify the condition earlier and better manage disease progression.”

A few known causes include:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Exposure to asbestos, mold, radiation and other hazardous materials
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Smoking cigarettes
• Viral infections

Additionally, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states you’re more likely to experience pulmonary fibrosis with certain risk factors. These include:

• Age — Diagnoses are made after age 60 in most cases.
• Genetics — A family history of disease increases your odds.
• Lifestyle — Smoking is a common lifestyle choice leading to lung scarring.
• Sex — Men experience the disease more often than women.

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Which Is Worse, COPD or Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis are serious, distinct lung conditions. Both cause you to feel short of breath and experience other unwanted symptoms. Each disease progresses over time and reduces life expectancy.

“As similar as symptoms can be, pulmonary fibrosis is often considered more dangerous,” Dr. Staub says. “Especially when the cause is unknown, life expectancy is dramatically shorter than with COPD.”

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The Danger of Heat and Humidity

When warmer weather tempts you to go outside for some fun, be careful. Breathing hot air can make your airways tighten or cause your lungs to spasm or twitch. If you have scarred lungs, this can trigger symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, which include:

• Fast, shallow breathing
• Joint and muscle pains
• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Weight loss for no known reason

You’re more likely to experience symptoms in dry or humid environments, or when there’s no breeze.

Tips to Protect Your Lungs This Summer

When living with pulmonary fibrosis, certain steps can help you breathe better in the heat.

• Drink plenty of water — By drinking cold water, you can help your body cool down and breathe a little easier on hot summer days.
• Stay inside — The hottest part of the day is usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Stay inside during those hours and keep your home cool. If you must go out, stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Take it easy — Protect your lungs by avoiding overexertion in the heat. Avoid vigorous exercise, get help carrying groceries or other heavy items and rest if you have a hard time breathing.
• Watch the weather — “Heat isn’t the only thing that affects your lungs,” Dr. Staub says. “Pollen can as well.” Before going outside, check the temperature and pollen count and stay inside if either is high.
• Work with your healthcare provider — Progressive pulmonary fibrosis causes increased damage to your lungs and worsens your symptoms. Report worsened symptoms to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. This allows your lung and respiratory care team to modify your treatment so you can manage the condition in all weather.

Treatment and Management

Currently, there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, but effective treatment can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

“Patients often come looking for the best treatment for pulmonary fibrosis,” Dr. Staub says. “The truth is that the best treatment depends on your disease type, health history and other factors.”

Treatment options to help you maximize your quality of life when living with pulmonary fibrosis include:

• Lifestyle changes — Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and using a smoking cessation program help protect and strengthen your lungs.
• Medications — Anti-fibrotic medications slow down lung scarring, antacids help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (also called GERD – a common condition experienced by many who live with pulmonary fibrosis) and other drugs help manage symptoms like coughing.
• Oxygen therapy — You receive extra oxygen when your lungs don’t function properly.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation. A physical therapist or other specialist teaches you special exercises to maintain as much lung function as possible. During therapy, you also learn more about your condition and receive support and counseling.

In severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary.

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The Facts: Pulmonary Fibrosis and Staying Comfortable

Summer shouldn't mean staying trapped inside. With an expert care team and proper treatment, you can manage pulmonary fibrosis safely.

1. Pulmonary fibrosis is lung scarring. It has many causes and is most common among older adults, people who smoke and men.
2. Hot air makes breathing more difficult, which can worsen pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. You can manage your symptoms by staying inside during the hottest part of the day, drinking plenty of cold water and not pushing yourself in the heat.
3. Your care team may recommend lifestyle changes, medication or other approaches to treat your lung scarring.

Make an appointment with a primary care physician.