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Protecting your lungs is essential for overall health, whether you live in a cold, hot, or changing climate. From avoiding pollutants and staying hydrated to managing chronic conditions and quitting smoking, there are practical steps everyone can take to keep their lungs healthy. In this blog, we answer common questions about lung care, including how to protect your lungs in different environments and how smokers can maintain better lung health.
Protecting lung health while abroad
Our lungs play a vital role in transmitting oxygen to the bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide from the body. This is an essential process for every cell to function properly. Just like other organs in our body, it is important to take steps to look after them.
Not many people realize that differing climates can impact lung health, particularly for people with conditions such as asthma, bronchiestasis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Knowing, which is the best climate for bronchiectasis, for example, is something many people need to consider before moving abroad.
For expats and their families who have relocated to a country where the climate is different to what they are accustomed to in their home country, there may be an impact on their lung health. However, whether the move is to a colder or hotter climate there are practical steps which can be taken to take care of their lungs. These tips are not just for people with existing lung conditions, they're helpful for anyone looking to maintain healthy lungs in a new environment.
What happens to your lungs in cold temperatures
In cold temperatures, the air is drier and can irritate your airways, leading to a condition called bronchospasm, where the airways tighten and narrow, making it harder to breathe. For those already suffering from chronic lung diseases like asthma or COPD, colder temperatures can exacerbate the issue.
How to protect your lungs in colder temperatures?
- Allow your body time to adjust to the colder temperatures.
- When outside loosely cover your mouth and nose with a warm scarf.
- To help warm the air you breathe in, breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.
- Avoid going outside if the air quality index shows the air is poor quality.
- Talk to your doctor about getting the flu vaccine.
- Take any prescribed medication and if you use an inhaler, make sure you always carry it with you.
- Dress in layers as this will trap warm air between the layers.
- If the temperature is very cold, opt for thermal underwear.
- Wear a warm hat to stop the heat escaping through your head.
- Avoid outdoor exercise in very cold temperatures, opt instead for some indoor activity.
- Keep your home warmed to a nice ambient temperature.
Taking care of your lungs in warm climates
Just as colder temperatures can make breathing more difficult, hot weather also poses risks for lung health that expats should be aware of. For many expats, chasing sunshine and enjoying life in a warm, beachside climate is one of the biggest positives of an overseas move. Warmer weather means more time outdoors and possibly increased levels of physical activity. However, warm weather too can have a detrimental impact on lung health, particularly for those with a lung condition. A 2025 study found that extreme heat was associated with a higher risk of COPD morbidity and mortality.
Hot weather can also trigger asthma symptoms with higher levels of air pollution during the summer months. High levels of ozone and smog are also more common in spring and summer. Both of these pollutions can irritate airways and increase the risk of attacks for those suffering from lung conditions.
How to help protect your lungs in warmer temperatures?
- Just like with moving to a colder climate, when moving to a warmer climate allow your body time to adjust to the heat.
- Avoid the sun when it is at its highest, and try to remain in the shade. On very hot days stay indoors.
- Help cool your home and remove humidity by using an air conditioner.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- If the temperature is very high, exercise indoors.
- Avoid going outside if the air quality index shows the air is poor quality.
If you are a smoker, the greatest step you can take to improve your lung health is to quit today. To support you, Allianz has introduced ten practical tips to stop smoking in a short time. If you have concerns about your lung health, or you are experiencing shortness of breath or a cough, please speak with your doctor.
Having international health insurance in place will ensure you get the medical care you need to protect your lung while living overseas. At Allianz, we offer dedicated plans for expats.
Get a quote today or contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can protect yor lungs by avoiding poor air quality, staying hydrated and giving your body time to adjust to hot or cold climates. Covering your mouth and nose in cold winter, staying cool in hight heat and taking prescribed medication can also help protect lung health.
If you smoke, the best step you can take to keep your lungs healthy is to quit. Smoking can harm lung helath, so stopping as soon as possible is the strongest way to protect your lungs.
Are you moving abroad?
Before venturing to another country, make sure you have a health insurance plan you can rely on
Meet the author
Allianz
At Allianz Partners, Health, our blog is crafted by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance on global health and insurance topics. With a focus on expatriates, international businesses, and individuals navigating healthcare abroad, our authors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every article.
We aim to deliver practical advice, industry updates, and actionable tips to help you make informed decisions, whether you're exploring international health insurance, managing employee health plans, or staying informed about the latest healthcare trends. Trust our blog to be your go-to resource for navigating the world of global health and insurance.
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