Asthma Sufferers Suffer More in Heat

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Updated: 7:55 PM Jun 24, 2005 Asthma Sufferers Suffer More in Heat Doctors say the extreme temperatures we've been having can induce asthma attacks. Posted: 7:55 PM Jun 24, 2005 Reporter: Colleen McPartlin

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Ninety degrees and humid doesn't make it too comfortable for any of us to breathe. Now just imagine how people who live with asthma can feel.

Several factors can bring on an asthma attack, and the heat is definitely one of them. If you have a chronic cough or you notice that you are one step behind everyone else when doing physical activities, doctors say you could be a sufferer.

Ryan Andrews M.D., from Ministry Health Care in Stevens Point, says, "For people that don't have asthma, you can tell the difference if you just breathe in and out of your mouth, like right now, or if you try to do the same thing through a straw."

If you know that you have asthma, Dr. Andrews says it's extremely important to follow your doctor's orders, and at all costs avoid putting yourself in situations where the condition will get worse.

"I think any time people with any kind of chronic illness and you put an extreme in the environment it's gonna be kinda stressful on them."

Since it is sometimes impossible to avoid being in the heat, Andrews says to try to reduce other factors that can cause asthma attacks like being around smokers or having a dusty home.

Anything that'll cut down on the risk will help you stay healthy.