High indoor temperatures can worsen symptoms of the lung disorder chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in homes with high levels of air pollution, researchers report.

The research included 69 people with moderate to severe COPD. The disorder includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.

The study volunteers were assessed on the hottest days of the year. The mean outdoor temperature was 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The mean indoor temperature was 80 F, according to the study.

Even though 86 percent of the participants lived in homes with air conditioning, it wasn’t turned on during 37 percent of the study days.

The patients spent most of their time indoors. On days they did go outside, they did so for an average of two hours.

As indoor temperatures rose, COPD symptoms increased in severity, and people had to use their “rescue” inhalers more often. These effects were even greater if there were higher levels of indoor air pollution, the study authors said.

The effects of higher indoor temperatures were felt immediately and lasted for one to two days, the authors said.

The findings were published Sept. 30 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

“Previous studies have found that the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effect of heat and more likely to die or be hospitalized during heat waves,” lead author Dr. Meredith McCormack said in a journal news release. She’s an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

McCormack said the researchers believe this is the first study to find a link between indoor temperatures, indoor air pollution and COPD symptoms.

“Given that participants spent an overwhelming majority of their time indoors, which we believe is representative of patients with COPD generally, optimizing indoor climate and reducing indoor pollution represents a potential avenue for improving health outcomes,” McCormack said.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on COPD.

Source: HealthDay