Answer:

On hot days, many people may experience shortness of breath, shallow breathing, or increased fatigue during physical activity. This is a common phenomenon and not always directly related to lung disease.

When ambient temperatures rise, the body works harder to dissipate heat and maintain its core temperature. Heart rate and breathing rate tend to increase to supply sufficient oxygen to organs and support the body's cooling process. This change can make some individuals feel winded or slightly short of breath, especially during outdoor activities.

Doctor Do examining a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Hot, dry air can also easily irritate the respiratory tract lining, causing a dry throat, chest tightness, or uncomfortable breathing. On hot days, concentrations of air pollutants such as fine dust or ozone often increase, irritating the airways and making shortness of breath more pronounced.

Elderly individuals, those who are overweight, or those with chronic lung disease often experience clear respiratory symptoms. If shortness of breath occurs frequently or is accompanied by signs such as persistent coughing, wheezing, chest pain, excessive fatigue during exertion, or progressively worsening breathlessness, individuals should not be complacent. These could be manifestations of respiratory conditions like bronchial asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other cardiopulmonary diseases.

To reduce breathlessness in hot weather, you should limit outdoor activities, drink enough water to prevent dehydration, keep your living environment well-ventilated, and minimize exposure to dust and pollution. When using air conditioning, maintain an appropriate temperature and avoid sudden temperature changes between indoor and outdoor environments.

If shortness of breath persists, recurs frequently, or if other unusual symptoms appear, you should seek examination at a respiratory specialist clinic for a check-up.

Master. Doctor Dang Thanh Do

Department of Respiratory Medicine

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi