These Common Health Conditions Can Be Negatively Impacted by the Summer Heat

As the first day of summer fast approaches, during which we are expected to see “hotter-than-normal temperatures,” it’s important to recognize how the heat may affect your health. In addition to staying hydrated, keeping cool and wearing sunscreen, you should also be aware that heat can affect common health conditions and medications, potentially worsening your symptoms. 

As always, call 911 if you’re in distress or having trouble breathing. It’s also important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke — the latter often follows the former — whether for your own health or a neighbor’s.

Below, we’ll get into the common conditions that can be exacerbated by the summer heat. 

Respiratory conditions 

People with health conditions that affect the lungs or airway, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are more affected by the heat, as hot weather may constrict the airways. If you have a respiratory condition, pay attention to air quality alerts in your area and try to limit your time outside on the hottest days. 

What to do: If you have asthma or use an inhaler, you may want to carry your inhaler with you at all times, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network, and check in with your doctor if you notice your symptoms worsening. Make note of the inhaler’s instructions for storage, and definitely don’t leave it in your hot car or anywhere it can overheat.

As laid out by Temple Health, you may also want to plan your day around the hottest periods. For example, if you need to run errands, try going out in the morning or later in the evening. 

Autoimmune diseases 

Health conditions that start in the immune system may flare up for people during the summer months. According to the Global Autoimmune Institute, high temperatures, UV light and humidity can trigger an immune response. Lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and more may all be exacerbated by the heat, whether the effects are in the joints (as with arthritis) or neurological (as with MS).

What to do: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends doing all the things you’re probably already doing to stay cool, like staying in an air-conditioned space (the society also notes that your AC cost may be tax deductible, if your health care provider writes a prescription for it to minimize symptoms). It also recommends doing some pre- and post-cooling if you’ll be exercising, by gradually adding cool water to tepid bath water. In general, as the Global Autoimmune Institute says, be mindful of sudden changes in temperature, which may also cause problems (i.e. going from a very cold air-conditioned room to a 90-something-degree sunny day). Allow your body time to ease into it.

If you have an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, like psoriasis, and warm weather makes it worse instead of better, you may help prevent a flare-up by following the skin care tips for people with eczema, like using gentle soaps and limiting warm showers.

Mental health symptoms 

Extreme heat and climate change affect mental health in many, often overlapping, ways. For example, many mental health conditions are more likely to occur in people with other health conditions, or those who are affected by factors that make them more vulnerable to high heat, like poverty. 

People with schizophrenia may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and some medications prescribed for mental health, including certain antidepressants, medications to manage psychosis symptoms and stimulants for ADHD can also affect the way the body regulates temperature.

Many people may also be at a higher risk of depression, irritability or mania during the warmer months of spring and summer, and extreme heat has been linked to more reports of harm and death. 

What to do: If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, hopelessness or mania, or any type of mood state that affects your quality of life, talk with a medical or health-care professional about a plan to manage symptoms during warmer waves when symptoms could be worse, as well as a long-term plan for getting help. 

If you’re taking prescription medication for anything (whether it be for mental health symptoms or something else) it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor about whether there are any additional steps you should take to stay safe.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, or you believe someone you know is in danger, you should call 911 (or your country’s local emergency line) or go to an emergency room. Explain that it’s a psychiatric emergency and ask for someone who is trained for these kinds of situations.