Humidity?

[casey16gatsby]

I'm a US user of this website. I really appreciate the insights.

I have an FEV-1 of 22%.My issues were largely caused by my Alpha 1 hereditary condition.I'm still able to function albeit quite restricted. Summer humidity really negatively impacts my ability to do things. Just interested in insights others may have to deal with this -- and/or to aid functioning when it's humid?

All the Best

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

hi Casey, I'm the same, I find it very hard to breath and struggle to do anything. The humidity makes me feel really run down and tired. Hope you feel better soon. Take care Bernadette 😊 xx

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hi there! I'm in the UK and have stage 4 COPD with 22%FEV-1 although I dont have the alpha gene.

As Damon1864 says,even the humidity we have here in the UK absolutely knocks us for six and are unable to do very much at all. So you are not alone at all. When the year was split into definite seasons, I used to think myself lucky to be in a country where its not usually hot. Well,since climate change and all that, our seasons have disappeared to some extent and there is no rule book any more. I find it hard to go from one room to the other(and I'm on oxi 24/7)without gasping for breath. Pathetic isn't it. However after being a member of The British Lung Foundation for all most 4 years,I've read anything and everything to do with humidity and have realised this:-

If you have A/C use it. We generally dont have it in our homes in the UK. If you can buy an electric fan for each room you spend most time in,that will help you too.Then the obvious- take your meds,use your oxi,go at a slower pace and dont over commit yourself with get totethers,meetings etc when you know you are struggling!Also exercise is key to keeping our lungs working even if its just 5 mins in morning and 5 in afternoon(I'm out of puff just typing my reply, how stupid is that?).

Try and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

How very true what you are saying, I struggle so much in this weather, and what makes it worse o have hay fever on top of COPD. I use a an in my room and it does help. Take care 😊 love Bx

[casey16gatsby in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

Thanks much -- I appreciate the input.

My best to you!

[Badbessie]

It may not just be the humidity that is causing your difficulty. When the barometer is reading a high pressure I can feel the difference. I tend to pace myself more and take more rest plus I use my rescue inhaler. Luckily I am not affected by high pollen counts which could be another reason for your difficulties.

[casey16gatsby]

Thanks --Badbessie -- that is interesting and informative. I had not thought of barometer and high pressure.. Much appreciated!

[patmc1]

I'm an alpha 1 carrier with mild emphysema and moderate asthma here in the States. I thought the extreme cold affected my lungs (I actually covered my mouth with a scarf and used my rescue inhaler) this winter but now the days with high humidity are making it harder to go for long walks. I'm planning on doing more things inside at the regular gym and the rehab gym. ---I was meeting a group at a park near the lakefront to Nordic pole walk but now I'm thinking about the University gym with the inside track. Not quite as much fun.

That's helpful info about the barometric pressure. I'd much rather realize the various "outside" agencies that can affect my lungs rather than thinking my "condition" is getting worse.