It’s shaping up to be a big season for Philly. Excitement and energy are rising as our city prepares to host major events like America’s 250th birthday, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game. As a pulmonologist, I’m also thinking about how to help my patients prepare to participate safely — and how the summer’s festivities may affect the lung health of all people with respiratory issues.
Crowds and lung disease: A risky combination
Packed stadiums, concerts, and outdoor gatherings bring big energy. But they can also increase exposure to respiratory viruses. And they can be a source of air pollutants, secondhand smoke, and other environmental triggers that can exacerbate lung conditions.
If you live with a lung condition such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or you have a weakened immune system, it’s important to be aware of these risks.
That doesn’t mean you have to stay home. As I reassure my patients, celebration and safety can coexist. If you have a lung condition, celebrating safely means planning ahead and taking steps to protect your breathing.
Here are some of the strategies I’m recommending to my patients.
Give yourself a baseline of protection
Because large outdoor events can potentially trigger lung issues, it’s important to make sure you’re as healthy as possible before you go. Two simple ways to do that:
- Continue following your prescribed treatment regimen. That’ll help keep your condition under the best possible control before, during, and after the event.
- Make sure you’re up-to-date with your vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. People with chronic lung issues are at higher risk for complications from certain illnesses. Vaccines help to reduce that risk. Check with your doctor to see which you may be due for.
Wear a mask
Being in crowds can increase your risk for getting sick. If you’re going to be in a crowded indoor space or in an area without much fresh air, like a packed stadium or indoor arena, prioritize wearing a well-fitting N95 mask over your mouth and nose. This can help protect you from germs and irritants in the air. If the air quality is bad or if you’re in a very crowded outdoor area, wearing a mask there can help too. Masks can sometimes feel uncomfortable in the heat, so focus on wearing one when it matters most. Prolonged periods outside, especially in hot or crowded environments, may also expose your lungs to other irritants. A well-fitting N95 mask worn over your mouth and nose can help shield you from germs. It may also offer some protection from smoke, smog, or dust.
Check the air quality index
Speaking of airborne irritants — you may know that you’re more sensitive to changes in air quality when you live with a chronic lung condition. So be sure to check the day’s air quality index (AQI) any time you’re planning to attend a game, festival, or other big outdoor event. You can find the forecast on the radio or in the newspaper, in most weather apps, or online at airnow.gov.
AQI is scored from 0-500, with 0 being the best and 500 being the worst. An AQI of 100 or greater is considered unhealthy for people with respiratory issues. If the AQI hits that level or higher, consider modifying your plans and staying indoors as much as possible.
Keep in mind, though, that AQI is like a weather report. It tells you the air quality for your general area. But if you’re out and about at a block party, parade, concert, or another Semiquincentennial event, smoke from grills, food carts, fireworks, and cigarettes can pollute the air you’re breathing even if the AQI is low.
Air quality tends to be worse in busy areas like big roads, busy parking lots, or other areas where lots of cars are idling. Try to stay away from crowds where people are smoking cigarettes or vaping too. Keep an eye out for other irritants that might set off your symptoms, and steer clear as much as you can.
Pack prepared
A few must-have supplies will help you feel your best and breathe easier, so you can have fun. Be sure to bring along:
- Any prescribed medications, including rescue inhalers
- Water to stay hydrated
- Hand sanitizer for when you can’t wash your hands
- A portable fan, which can help ease breathlessness if you’re getting too hot
Hold the fan about 6 inches from the middle of your face, and let the cool air blow toward you. It can take up to 10 minutes before you notice an improvement.
Check event rules and venue policies ahead of time
Take some time to research the location you’re visiting in advance — especially if you’re headed to a stadium or concert venue. (Information is usually available online, but you may also be able to call the venue.) Many events have restrictions on the types of bags you can take in, which may affect your ability to bring certain medications or other personal items. If you need accommodations, such as for a wheelchair, check out the facility’s accessibility and parking options.
For example, you can bring your water bottle and even a small personal cooler to Wawa Welcome America’s outdoor events. But if you’re going to a World Cup game, you’ll only be able to bring a small clutch or a clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches. If it fits in the bag, you can bring an empty, clear plastic water bottle. If you need an exception for medically necessary items, you’ll need to contact the stadium ahead of time.
If you use supplemental oxygen, check with the venue ahead of your visit to confirm you can bring your equipment in. Make sure you have enough oxygen and delivery supplies (like a tank) for the full duration of the event. Consider travel time, which can run longer than expected in heavy traffic. If you use a concentrator, it’s also worth having a backup plan for power access, both at home before you leave and at the venue itself.
It’s also worth locating the first aid station when you arrive at a venue. If you need any help, you’ll know exactly where to go.
Stay as cool as you can
Attending a summer sports game, concert, or festival means you’ll likely be spending a long stretch of time in the heat. That can strain your lungs and make you more likely to feel breathless. A few things that can help you avoid overheating:
- Attend events that happen in the morning or in the evening, when it’s cooler. Consider avoiding long outdoor events that happen during the hottest part of the day.
- Stay in the shade as much as possible, or carry an umbrella to shield yourself from direct sunlight.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make your symptoms worse.
- Plan ahead of time how you’ll get to the venue or event. Try to avoid walking long distances when it’s very hot.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Be wary of fireworks
This summer, there are six nights of professional fireworks planned. I also expect to see and hear plenty of smaller, private celebrations using consumer fireworks.
If you’re looking forward to celebrating with a bang this summer, you’re not alone. The downside is that fireworks can make asthma and COPD symptoms worse. The colorful explosions release smoke and pollutants into the air, which can irritate your airways. Personal fireworks can be worse than professional ones, because the smoke stays closer to the ground.
I encourage my patients to avoid fireworks when they can — and keep windows closed when firework smoke is in the air. But if you plan to attend an evening light show:
- Wear an N95 mask to block out as much smoke as possible.
- Try to pick a viewing spot that’s upwind of the display.
- Keep your distance from the launching point. This Fourth of July, Philadelphia will have its biggest fireworks show ever over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You’ll be able to watch from a safe distance.
Get support for breathing better
If you have a lung condition, the experts at Temple Lung Center can help you live your best. To learn more or to meet with a lung specialist, call us at 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or schedule an appointment online.
Helpful Resources
Looking for more information?