If you live in a hot climate like the US Southwest or have sweltering summers anywhere in the world from early May to approximately the 3rd week of October you are likely spending most of your time in an air conditioned environment.  That’s approximately 6 months in an artificially created space, whether at home or work. 

At the peak of the season in Arizona even early mornings are hot with the temperature never going below 90 degrees F.  It’s hardly conducive to go outside and get some fresh air.  Even opening your windows or patio door in the morning is a challenge as you must let in some hot air just to get in fresh air. 

A/C Lung 

What we see in the clinic at this time of year is mild to severe forms of A/C lung.  By definition A/C Lung is a serious disease that implicates fungal or bacterial microbes, transmitted by A/C units, as causing respiratory illness. It may be very serious, sending you to the hospital or may present with mild asthma-like symptoms. In any case you need a thorough history taken, a medical exam of your respiratory system and possibly some testing and/or imaging to assess before treating.

If you have been diagnosed with asthma in the past and if your symptoms have a seasonality, i.e., worse at specific times of the year it’s good to investigate indoor and outdoor environments.

If you are not diagnosed with a serious lung condition you may still be vulnerable to wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing in the summer.  It’s part of living in an extreme climate and the best way to manage is to improve the health of your respiratory system.

Forest Fires, Volcanos, Oh My!

Noteworthy this year and for several years past is the impact forest fires have on our world and respiratory health. It’s not just the effect of wood smoke that is reaching our lungs but also building materials, fuels, chemicals, herbicides and pesticides incinerated at very high heat.

Volcano’s emit gases and ash, called Vog, which create similar lung conditions.

Finding It Hard to Breathe and Feeling Tired?

When you first breathe in smoke particulates and gases they encounter the mucus membranes in the sinuses and lungs. If the membranes are working well much of the inhaled particles will be trapped and moved out of the body via the digestive tract and by coughing and spitting.  Toxins enter the blood stream via the lungs and move to the liver and immune system in an attempt to be detoxified.  Many of them will remain and add to your toxic load.

Take home message is; mucus membranes need to be strong and have a well developed microbiome. Your respiratory, liver and immune system need to be in top condition and not overwhelmed by everyday exposure.

That’s where naturopathic medicine comes in. By identifying and  removing the cause and restoring the vital systems you have ever-renewing health.  

Becoming well is not a walk in the park! It takes identification, treatment and your determination to change exposure habits and build a better body.  Starting in on this discussion I always think of the Wonder Bread slogan that went something like “…Building Better Bodies 12 Ways”.  And though I grew up in and survived the era of Campbells Soup and Wonder Bread (!) I have to say it is an honest goal to build a body in better ways and restore the innate strength that we have been given.

Remove the Cause By Avoiding Exposure

Become aware of what you might be exposed to in and out of doors. Sit down and make a list of known and possible exposures. Your naturopathic doctor can help complete this picture of cause and effect for your individual case.  I have a questionnaire  that can be filled out before the first appointment so important details are not missed.

Action Plan Starting Today:

-Change home A/C HVAC filters regularly.

-Have your duct work cleaned.  

-Keep windows and patio doors closed, except for brief ‘airing-outs’.—Vacuum with a HEPA filtered vacuum and/or wear a mask when you vacuum. Damp wipe dusting will work better if you do not have a HEPA vacuum and face mask.

-Use a good air cleaner after airing-out and throughout the day to pick up outdoor particulates.

-Keep bedrooms extra clean, windows closed and keep pets out.  This lowers the total load that you are exposed to during the 6-8 hours that you sleep.

-Take off shoes at the door.

-Leave outside clothes in the laundry room if you have daily particulate/toxin exposure.

-Wash clothes in separate loads if one family member is exposed daily to toxins so as not to spread it/share it.  

-While driving, set your air system to ‘recirculate’ so it it not bringing in outside air. 

If the season is ‘getting you down’ schedule an appointment by going online at www.keepitvital.com or calling 602-421-6237 and get a start at ever-renewing health!