The climate of Texas is no ally in life with pulmonary fibrosis
High temperatures, humidity, ozone, and other factors make life difficult
Living in Texas means facing an unpredictable climate. One minute, the skies are blue and it’s sunny, and the next, thunderstorms and tornadoes are rolling in without warning. I’ve lived in Texas all my life and still can’t keep up with the changes.
Having pulmonary fibrosis (PF) doesn’t make it any easier to live with such unpredictability. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to manage my health under these conditions. Summers are particularly hard to get through. The severe heat and humidity take a toll on my lungs, making my breathing labored and difficult. August is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures often exceeding 100 F, and with high humidity.
In addition to the oppressive heat, air quality is a constant concern. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality frequently issues “Ozone Action Days” for our area, alerting us to dangerous air quality levels. Ozone exposure can cause oxidative injury, which leads to bronchial inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness.
For someone with PF, this makes stepping outside almost unbearable. The heaviness in my chest and the overwhelming exhaustion hit immediately. Then there’s the discomfort of wearing an oxygen cannula in the heat, as sweat drips down my face and nose and into the tubes. This is one of the reasons I don’t get outside much these days.
The consequences and my reaction
People most at risk from breathing air containing ozone include those with lung disease, asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers. Depending on the level of ozone exposure, it can cause coughing, a sore or scratchy throat, difficulty breathing, inflammation, and damage to the airways. It can also make the lungs more susceptible to infection, aggravate asthma, and increase the frequency of asthma attacks.
Because of all of this, I’ve started to feel confined in my own home. The isolation can be a bit overwhelming, but the thought of going outside is threatening. If I do go outside, I must plan a day ahead before committing to activities. I never do things on a moment’s notice.
One thing I do is check the weather and see if there are any alerts. I make sure to have everything I need ready before stepping outside.
One of the essentials I carry with me is my backpack, where my portable oxygen fits perfectly. I also have several extra batteries in case it’ll be a long day. I carry several masks, an extra cannula, a small, portable face fan, my medications for the day, and plenty of water. I make sure to know exactly what the trip entails and if there is somewhere with air conditioning where I can rest if necessary.
Living with PF in Texas is a constant battle against the climate — a battle that takes its toll on my health and quality of life. The crushing heat, unpredictable weather, and frequent air quality alerts all conspire to make managing this condition even more challenging. It’s a daily struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy, and the need for constant attentiveness can be exhausting. However, through careful planning and resilience, I continue to navigate these obstacles.
Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.
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