Hotter weather is linked to increases in COPD exacerbations

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/926999

 

News Release 2-Sep-2021
Reports and Proceedings
European Lung Foundation

 

Warmer weather is linked to a worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms, according to research to be presented on Sunday at the ‘virtual’ European Respiratory Society International Congress [1].

 

Analysis of data from 1,177 current and former smokers with COPD in the USA showed that approximately two days after an increase in ambient temperatures, there was an increase in COPD exacerbations.

 

Dr Supaksh Gupta, a pulmonary and critical care fellow at the University of Washington, USA, told the Congress: “We found that each one-degree Celsius increase in ambient temperature was associated with a 2% increase in the likelihood of COPD exacerbations in the following two days among this group of patients.


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“Other studies have shown a connection between extreme heat exposure and increased risk of health problems and death in people with COPD. There are concerns that these problems will accelerate with the ongoing and worsening climate crisis.

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