- Improved medication effectiveness.
When a person with bronchial asthma uses an inhaler (such as Flixotide Inhaler, Ventolin, Atrovent Inhaler, or Ventorlin Inhaler) or takes certain medications (such as Acto-Pred or Bambudil) during hot weather, they may expect quick relief — but sometimes the effect is weaker than usual. A common reason for this is dehydration. When the body lacks enough fluids, blood becomes thicker, circulation slows down, and medications (both inhaled and oral) spread through the body more slowly. This is especially important for systemic medications that need to work quickly, such as during an asthma attack or flare-up. Even inhalers that deliver medicine directly into the lungs are more effective when the bronchial mucosa is well-hydrated, as this allows the medication to distribute evenly through the airways. During heat, the body loses water through sweat and faster breathing. If fluid levels aren’t replenished, mucous membranes dry out and treatment becomes less effective. That’s why it’s important to drink clean water regularly during hot days.
- Reduced frequency of dry cough.
A dry cough is one of the most unpleasant symptoms of asthma. It’s exhausting, irritates the throat, interferes with sleep, and can appear suddenly—even without physical exertion. In hot weather, this symptom can become more intense because heat tends to dry the air, and the body loses more moisture through sweating and breathing. As a result, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract dry out, and bronchial receptors become more sensitive to irritants such as dust, allergens, or temperature changes. This creates ideal conditions for a dry, irritating cough. Drinking enough water helps keep the respiratory mucosa hydrated. For example, if you start coughing after a walk on a hot day without any obvious reason, it may not be due to allergies or asthma worsening, but simply a sign of dehydration. Try drinking a glass of water—sometimes this simple step can be more effective than medication.
- Prevention of thickened mucus.
One of the major challenges for people with asthma is the buildup of mucus in the bronchial tubes. Under normal conditions, mucus should be thin enough to be easily expelled when coughing. But in hot weather, dehydration makes mucus thicker, stickier, and harder to clear out, which can significantly worsen the condition. When mucus becomes too thick, breathing can become noticeably more difficult. Drinking enough water is one of the simplest ways to thin the mucus. Water acts as an internal humidifier, helping to loosen the mucus and make it easier to expel from the lungs.
- Increased energy levels.
When the body loses water, the blood becomes thicker, and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells slows down. This reduces energy levels, slows down metabolism, and can lead to feelings of fatigue and weakness. For people with asthma, the situation is even more challenging — limited breathing already restricts oxygen intake. You may feel tired, short of breath, or weak even without significant physical activity. While it may seem like an asthma symptom, it’s often just a sign of dehydration. To prevent this, don’t wait until you’re very thirsty. Instead, drink water regularly — for example, one glass every few hours throughout the day. This simple habit helps maintain healthy blood circulation, supports the heart and lungs, and ensures cells receive more oxygen.
- Protection against allergens.
In the summer, the concentration of potential allergens in the air increases significantly. Pollen, dust, mold spores, car exhaust, and other particles can all provoke asthma symptoms or even trigger attacks. While it’s difficult to completely avoid these irritants, the respiratory tract has a natural defense system — the mucous membranes. These membranes only function effectively when properly hydrated. If the body is dehydrated, the mucous membranes dry out and lose their ability to trap allergens. As a result, allergens can penetrate deeper into the airways, causing sneezing, coughing, inflammation, or asthma attacks. Drinking enough water regularly helps keep these membranes moist, elastic, and fully functional. Water also activates the body’s natural respiratory cleansing processes — for example, the cilia in the bronchial tubes that move mucus and irritants upward and out of the lungs.