It seems like every summer the news reports record-breaking heatwaves, and this year is no exception. Already this summer, extreme heat has caused heat disorders such as heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and even claimed lives. The serious heat waves we are experiencing are not just uncomfortable – they are part of a trend that has critical implications for our health.
Why Are Heat Levels Rising?
Heatwaves occur when heat is trapped in the earth's atmosphere, forced to move downward and prevented from clearing, increasing both average temperatures and extreme temperatures. Climate change is a major factor in the increased frequency and intensity of these heatwaves because greenhouse gas emissions hang in the air like a thick blanket, keeping heat from the sun stuck. The blanket of heat makes it harder to clean up air pollution. Drought increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires, which creates particle pollution. Warmer temperatures and sunlight mix with particulate pollution and chemicals in the air to create ozone.
“We have warmed up the planet by about two degrees Fahrenheit in the last century or so. That is juicing the extremes, so the number of times temperatures are exceeding 90- or 100- degrees Fahrenheit (32 or 37 degrees Celsius) is going up—and not just by a little bit. It’s gone up four, five, seven times more than before” explained Gavin Schmidt, the director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
Following record-breaking early-season heat waves in March, millions of Americans are now experiencing temperatures in the upper 90s and low 100s. And thanks to what experts are calling a “strong and long-lasting heat dome,” it doesn’t look like things are cooling down any time soon.
How Heat Impacts Lung Health
Rising temperatures can have serious impacts on health—including lung health for everyone but especially for those with lung diseases like asthma or COPD. Extreme heat forces the heart to pump faster as the body works to cool itself down. Sweat is your body’s natural way to attempt to cool down but excessive fluid loss can lead to dehydration. Other symptoms that can signal overheating include confusion, loss of consciousness, sweating and seizures. If these symptoms are ignored or left untreated, they can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion or even become fatal. This is why you should seek medical attention immediately if you or a loved one is suffering from heat-related illness.
Additionally, higher temperatures and stagnant air can worsen ozone pollution and increase exposure to particle pollution. These pollutants can cause a wide range of lung problems including shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, as well as asthma and COPD symptoms or flare ups. Particle pollution can also cause lung cancer. Millions of people are at higher risk of adverse effects from excessive heat, including young children, older adults, people who are pregnant, people with certain mental health conditions, and anyone living with a chronic heart or lung disease.
How to Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness
1. Take steps to keep your body cool.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration.
- Spend time in air-conditioned spaces and limit your time outdoors in the direct heat.
- Take a cool shower or bath to lower your body temperature.
- Follow these 10 easy steps to cool down your home.
2. Check the heat index and your air quality before going outdoors.
- The heat index measures how hot it feels outside by taking into account air temperature and humidity. This varies from place to place, which is why you should consult forecasts in your area daily. For instance, urban areas, which often have less greenspace and more heat-absorbing roads, parking lots and roofs, can be up to 20 degrees hotter than surrounding neighborhoods.
- Limit any time spent outdoors during days with high AQI ratings. Specifically avoid exercising outdoors during these days as it puts you at greater risk of heat exhaustion.
- Always avoid exercising near high-traffic areas since vehicles create harmful air pollution.
- Visit Weather.gov and Airnow.gov for up-to-date readings.
3. Know if you are part of a high-risk group. People at greater risk of heat-related illness include:
- Infants and young children
- Adults 65 years and older
- People who are pregnant
- People with chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, mental illness or obesity
- Individuals who work outdoors or athletes who exercise outdoors
- People living in a home without air conditioning or people experiencing housing insecurity
4. Know when to seek medical care
If you think you have a heat-related illness, stop all activity immediately, move to a cool place and drink water or a sports drink if you are able.
You should contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your mild symptoms start getting worse
- Your mild symptoms don't improve in about an hour of rest, cooling and hydration
- You have concerns about how heat may affect an existing lung disease, heart condition or other chronic health condition.
You should seek emergency medical attention (call 911) if:
- Your body temperature reaches 103 degrees F or higher
- You have signs of dehydration such as very little or no urination, dizziness or weakness.
- You are not sweating despite being in extreme heat
- You are unable to hold down fluids
- You experience altered mental status, loss of consciousness, have a seizure or have difficulty responding to others
Do not wait to see if these symptoms improve. Heat-related illnesses can be a medical emergency and require immediate attention.
Learn more about how to protect yourself and your family from the heat on our blog.
Blog last updated: July 15, 2026
