High temperatures may put people with asthma in danger

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - People who have asthma have a much harder time breathing when the temperature is high and with what may be the hottest day of the year doctors say they need to be careful.

A mother of three, Julie Haffner said her son loves going to the park but, because he has asthma, she has to be extra careful with the heat.

"If it's too hot outside, we don't let him go outside to play because it is just too dangerous for him," Haffner said.

Asthma and allergy physician Dr. Ketan Sheth said many people don't realize how the heat could be hurting people who suffer from asthma.

"Hot weather increases a lot of pollution that is outside so air pollution is going to cause people with asthma to have trouble and just the heat and the humidity itself is really going to trigger problems with out asthma patients," Dr. Sheth said.

Dr. Sheth said if you are outside and you or your child has asthma, you should limit your time in the heat.

Julie Haffner said she has been keeping a close eye on her kids and making sure to keep them as cool as possible while at the park.

"They've been drinking lots of water, staying in the shade, keeping cool. I've been making sure if they need a break, we get them where it's cooler so we don't run into any problems," Haffner said.

Even if you don't have asthma Dr. Sheth says its important to be smart when playing outdoors during the heat of the summer.

"One of the things people need to do is make sure they're hydrated and I think that's the most important thing," Dr. Sheth said. "Some of the signs of dehydration are if they are a little bit dizzy, or a little confused, or if they can't catch their breath because they have asthma. All of those things should be very concerning."

Haffner said she has been careful to make sure her other two kids who don't have asthma are drinking just as much water and staying in the shade. She said her son has had a big day at the park and has been keeping cool by playing in the water too.