Almost the entire country has been under a Code Red heat wave warning since Saturday, July 13. In this context, pulmonologist Ruxandra Ulmeanu said that those suffering from chronic conditions, as well as patients with respiratory pathology, must follow their treatment.
Patients who should avoid going out on hot days. Photo: Shutterstock (Archive)
“To follow their treatment, first of all if they are chronic diseases, be very careful in following their cardiological, neurological, respiratory – COPD or asthma treatment. If we are talking about respiratory pathology such as COPD or asthma, they certainly have the recommendation to use this inhaler treatment which is not the same (no for both diseases). Some are for COPD, others for asthma, but they must be taken with sanctity. Moreover, for those who have asthma, it is often necessary to have the inhaler with them so that they can use it when needed. The need meaning precisely the administration at the moment when I feel the slightest sign of something coming on like a cough, that feeling of breathing harder“, said Ruxandra Ulmeanu, according to Agerpres.
In addition, those suffering from chronic respiratory conditions should avoid going out on hot days. At the same time, the medical staff said that patients with respiratory ailments can use the air conditioners, but it is necessary that the filters be cleaned.
“Asthma and COPD patients are sensitive if those filters are not cleaned when the air conditioner is turned on. The filters must be cleaned – it is essential. Not without air conditioning. The air conditioning should be set at 25-26 degrees and not at 18 degrees. You don’t get electrocuted, you don’t get cold because of the electricity, and above all you have to use the air conditioning, but with these mentions opposite the temperature”explained Ruxandra Ulmeanu, during a media training session, which takes place between July 12-14 at Cheile Grădiştei, organized by the Coalition of Patients with Chronic Diseases and the Romanian Society of Pneumology.
The ideal temperature
Also, according to the doctor, the place where children exercise outside is particularly important.
“If they are very close to some areas where traffic is very frequent and there is this context of pollution, then the predisposition of these children to have bronchial asthma in the coming years is very high”said Dr. Ruxandra Ulmeanu.
“It is clearly said – children and the elderly should not leave the house during those periods. We must also align ourselves with these things. It is very important”said Dr. Florin Mihălţan.
In addition, doctor Roxana Nemeș stated that an asthmatic patient can suffer a crisis due to large temperature differences.
“We also recommend for children not to go to the supermarket in the summer. The difference is very big. (…) The aggressive temperature and degree of humidity are very difficult for a respiratory patient to bear. (…) The temperature in which it would be ideal to stay is 22 – 24 degrees”explained Dr. Nemeş.
