A Johns Hopkins University study revealed that cooler temperatures may benefit COPD patients while warmer temperatures may result in negative health issues.

For those who suffer from COPD, staying cool during the summer might provide significant health benefits beyond simply feeling more comfortable. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University assessed the impact of high temperatures and keeping cool on COPD patients, and determined that staying cool might in fact keep patients healthier. The research project found COPD patients who were exposed to warm indoor temperatures had higher disease-related morbidity, a rise in the utilization of rescue medications and lung function decline. In addition, higher outdoor temperatures were also linked to increased severity of COPD symptoms.

The outcomes of this study could have major implications on how to treat those with COPD during the summer months. The study was presented at the 2015 American Thoracic Society’s International Conference.

Meredith McCormack, the study’s lead author, said: “Understanding the effect of heat on susceptible populations is increasingly important in order to anticipate and prepare for health effects related to climate change. Although outdoor heat has been associated with increased mortality and with hospitalizations in specific populations, including COPD, less is known about individual-level exposure to heat and the impact on disease-specific outcomes. That was the focus of our study.”

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