Many asthma patients have breathing problems in the cold, dry air of winter and know how to prevent exposure. Did you know that summer heat and pollutants can also have an effect on your breathing? The air quality index is a simple, uniform way to report daily air pollution concentrations in your community’s air from 0-500 and what this means for your health. Air quality is rates in six levels of health concern: Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous.
Check the air quality when planning outdoor activities, sports practice and travel. Most sites have air quality in real time. Dr. Clore recommends this website. There are also apps for your smartphone! Check out Breezeometer, which is great to help you determine the air quality at your current location, or the American Lung Association’s app. Keeping in check with the air quality will help you keep your Asthma in check on hot days!
– Michelle Jones, RN, AE-C