WEATHER and RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Weather sensitive individuals with chronic respiratory ailments like emphysema and bronchial
asthma can be acutely impacted by certain weather conditions. In addition to air pollution
episodes, RESPIRATORY DISEASES is greatest during sudden cold outbreaks with rapidly falling,
much below normal temperatures, strong and gusty winds, and rapidly rising pressures.
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Upper respiratory infections, allergies, exercise, weather changes, and stress are the major triggers of
chronic respiratory ailments such as emphysema and bronchial asthma.
Bronchospasm and inflammation cause respiratory symptoms. Bronchospasm is when muscles surrounding airways contract,
restricting air movement. Inflammation is when airway linings swell and produce mucus.
Cold temperatures and large temperature changes cause bronchospasm. Strong winds can circulate pollen,
dust and dirt causing inflammation.
Early season temperature fluctuations appear to have the greatest impact breathing. When the four-day
forecast indicates rapidly cooling temperatures, have an adequate supply of medication available.
Carry your inhaler. It won’t work sitting at home!
Parents should know that asthma can flare in the early morning fall air, especially when allergies are
high, and when winter’s icy winds return. A “barking” cough can be a sign of mild bronchospasm.
Air pollution also flares respiratory symptoms. High levels may cause acute respiratory distress. and even
death. The risk is greatest for the elderly, very young, and people already suffering from chronic
respiratory diseases, especially emphysema.
Temperature inversions and other related meteorological conditions trap polluted air causing it to stagnate.
When air stagnation persists in a region, pollution concentrates, resulting in a more serious risk for
respiratory distress. Pollutants can cause both airway inflammation and bronchospasm.
Air pollution is most dangerous when fog is present. Sulfur dioxide gas reacts with water droplets to
produce dangerous sulfuric acid mist. This can cause permanent damage to even healthy individuals.
Staying indoors is critical during these conditions.
These conditions were a greater problem in the days when coal and other sulfur-containing fuels were burned.
The great air pollution fog in London during December of 1952 was said to have killed 4,000. In Donora,
Pennsylvania, an "Indian Summer" smog in 1948 lasted for nearly a week, killing 19 and affecting 43% of the
population.
Ozone is a natural form of air pollution that flares respiratory disease and increases death. One study found
the ozone effect most potent during cold weather. Air pollution created by humans and its effect on
atmospheric ozone levels is an increasing public health concern.
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Useful Links:
- Today's map for RESPIRATORY DISEASES
The RESPIRATORY DISEASES image shows areas where weather will
potentially impact for the current day those with RESPIRATORY DISEASES.
- Today's map for AIR STAGNATION
The Air Stagnation map shows areas where the atmosphere is likely to have more or less air stagnation for the current day. This affects air quality in that region, particularly in urban areas.
- Today's map for INDOOR HUMIDITY
The Indoor Relative Humidity map shows where indoor moist and dry conditions will exist for the current day.
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