Kerri MacKay investigates how changes in the environment can impact people with asthma – now and in the future.

No matter where you live, there’s a chance you could experience a natural disaster in your lifetime.

More research is looking at how climate change affects the environment. It also studies its link to natural disasters and extreme weather events.

For example, as temperatures increase, wildfires may become more common. Obviously, smoke is a well-known trigger for asthma attacks and poses a huge risk for those with lung diseases. But what about other natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, and winter storms? Causing devastation wherever they go, do they also have an impact on respiratory diseases?

Natural disasters: Who’s at risk?

The types of natural hazards and disasters we might face differ in various parts of the world.

Geography greatly affects the chance of experiencing a natural disaster. Some places may stay safe for years, while others become known as "natural disaster hotspots." Natural disasters affect around 218 million people a year on average.

The five countries most at risk for natural disasters are the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Colombia, and Mexico. These nations account for approximately 25% of the world's population.

In the countries, the most common natural disasters are:

• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Tycoons
• Landslides
• Hurricanes
• Volcanos

Likewise, disasters such as extreme heatwaves and wildfires have increased since the 1990s.

Impact of climate change on health and asthma

Understanding how climate change affects public health requires more research. But current studies show that a changing climate has led to more extreme weather events, which can harm health. 

Researchers could link a rising trend in asthma cases to climate change and increased air pollution. As the climate changes, warmer air helps to form ground-level ozone (also known as "smog"). Higher pollen levels and warmer, more humid global temperatures, for another example, can also be allergy and asthma triggers.

Air Pollution 

Ozone is a gas molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms (03). Although we need oxygen to survive, breathing in these bound oxygen molecules can damage the lungs when inhaled. Just low amounts of inhaled ozone can trigger symptoms such as: 

• Throat irritation 
• Chest pain 
• Coughing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Inflammation of lung tissue 

High up in the stratosphere, the ozone layer helps protect us from the sun's powerful ultraviolet rays. However, ground-level pollution can cause serious health issues and worsen existing respiratory diseases. 

Wildfires

Smoke is an asthma trigger for many, so it's not difficult to see how wildfires may aggravate asthma symptoms. 

Wildfires produce smoke containing millions of tiny particles that can pass into the bloodstream. Extended exposure to particle pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma attacks, lung cancer, and premature death. The wind can carry these dangerous particles for thousands of miles. This can affect people far from the wildfire's area. 

Extreme weather 

Extreme weather refers to droughts, floods, and storms. Though these weather conditions have a less direct impact on asthma, the indirect consequences can be equally problematic. 

Floods and storms can force people to evacuate their homes or the area in its entirety. People may forget to take their medications. Patients may leave prescriptions uncollected or unrenewed, with few chances to see a doctor. 

Flooding can also cause indirect exposure to mold spores. At the same time, storm damage may increase exposure to toxic chemicals and burning debris. 

Rising temperatures and humidity 

While some of us may want warmer places during the cold winter months, the rise in global temperatures is not a good thing. 

Remaining asthma-specific, hotter, more humid climates often have higher pollen concentrations in the air. Additionally, air with high humidity can lead to more airborne pollutants, making it harder to breathe. People with asthma may trigger an attack by breathing harder and faster than usual. 

Preparing for natural disasters with asthma or other respiratory illnesses

One of the only ways to "get ahead" of a natural disaster is to start preparing now.

Firstly, familiarize yourself with your local emergency procedures before disaster strikes. This is especially important if you have chronic health conditions, including asthma. Cities and regions often have emergency preparedness guidelines for disasters and extreme weather.

Being regionally prepared for natural disasters ensures that the right resources are available. For instance, some places make sure that medications remain accessible during relief efforts. This can help if someone runs out of prescription treatment during a disaster.

Some areas use a disease surveillance system. This system can track numbers of people with diseases like asthma and diabetes. This could help millions with chronic illnesses in emergencies.

Ask your local preparedness organization, such as the Red Cross, if they have a disease surveillance system. If they don't, think about reaching out to your elected officials to support getting a system. Don't forget to explain why it's important to you!

We should also ensure we help ourselves. A personal emergency kit with enough prescribed asthma treatment is essential. Be sure to check end dates and replace these supplies regularly.

If you use a nebulizer for your asthma, think about backup power sources if the power goes out for a long time. Consider backup power sources in case you lose electricity for a while. In emergencies that may involve loss of power, ask your doctor about alternatives.

The CDC Disaster Factsheet suggests having at least a three-day supply of medication. Backup copies of your prescriptions are also useful. Remember, though - prescriptions may only be valid for six months to a year after your doctor has signed them, so do check.

If evacuated, take all medications, insurance information, and health cards with you. I recommend keeping paper documents in a sealed plastic bag to keep them safe from water.

Remember, your pharmacy might face issues and may not transfer prescriptions. You may wish to ask your pharmacist about prescription protocols during regional emergencies.

The CDC also recommends preparing for aftermath and cleanup. N95 respirator masks, protective gloves, and rubber boots should be in your supplies.

For more information on creating a survival kit, visit Ready.gov.

The takeaway

In an emergency, it's better to have your supplies ready to grab quickly. Planning ahead helps you prepare for the unexpected, giving you peace of mind so you can focus on what you need to do.

For those of us with asthma, environmental triggers can be challenging. As we learn more about climate change, stay updated on your asthma action plan and amend as necessary.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen. 

NPS-ALL-NP-01499 MARCH 2025