Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic Warns High Heat May Trigger Asthma Flare-Ups

Doctors urge residents to take precautions as extreme summer temperatures hit Oklahoma

With dangerous heat and humidity gripping Oklahoma and much of the Southern United States, the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic is urging individuals with asthma and respiratory conditions to take extra precautions. According to clinic physicians, extreme heat can significantly worsen asthma symptoms and contribute to a rise in asthma related medical emergencies during the summer months.

“Oklahomans with asthma need to take summer heat seriously,” said Dr. Dean Atkinson, a board-certified allergist at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic. “High temperatures and humidity can combine with high pollen and high mold levels to create a perfect storm for asthma attacks.”

Excessive heat, often accompanied by high ozone levels, humidity, and stagnant air, poses multiple threats to individuals with asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Lung Association, heat increases inflammation in the airways, while humidity can trap allergens like mold spores, dust mites, and pollen—making it harder to breathe and easier to trigger flare-ups.

“We see a clear uptick in asthma flare-ups during Oklahoma’s high heat index days,” added Atkinson. “Staying cool and following an asthma action plan are critical steps for staying safe.”

In Oklahoma, where summer temperatures often reach triple digits, local air quality can deteriorate rapidly. The Oklahoma region continues to experience “HIGH ALLERGY ALERT DAYS” and “Ozone Alert Days,” with elevated pollen, mold, and pollution levels that can exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially for children, seniors, and individuals with chronic lung disease.

TIPS TO HELP YOU BREATHE EASIER WHEN THE HEAT IS ON

To help residents protect their respiratory health, physicians at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic recommend the following five strategies during extreme heat:

1. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, especially during peak heat and ozone hours (typically mid-afternoon).

2. Stay hydrated to help maintain healthy airway function.

3. Check the Daily Pollen and Mold Report and the Air Quality Index (AQI) and avoid strenuous outdoor activity on high alert days.

4. Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief inhalers accessible at all times.

5. Minimize exposure to additional triggers, such as cigarette smoke, cleaning chemicals, and other pollutants.

“Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat and poor air quality. Their lungs are still developing, and they tend to be more active outdoors, which increases their exposure to asthma triggers during high heat index days.” says Dr. Maya Gharfeh, another board-certified allergist at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic

The Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic encourages all asthma patients to review their action plans and speak with their healthcare providers about how to adjust medications or activity levels during extreme weather.

For more information about asthma care, pollen counts, and summer safety tips, visit www.oklahomaallergy.com or follow the clinic on social media.

About Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic

Founded in 1925, Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma clinic has a 100-year history of patient-focused, state-of-the-art allergy and asthma care. Today, the clinic is home to 13 allergy and asthma specialists, caring for tens of thousands of patients a year with a focus on evidence-based treatment, research, and patient education. To learn more, visit OklahomaAllergy.com.

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