Barometric pressure change and shortness of breath flare ups with COPD, Asthma, Pulmonary Fibrosis and other Pulmonary conditions.
“Why do I feel so lousy when a storm is coming?”
This is a very common question we get asked at our Pulmonary Rehab office.
Here is some information that may help answer this question:
Although it is commonly recognized that changes in barometric pressure and temperature can affect respiratory symptoms for people with COPD and asthma, there has been only one study reporting the effects of changes in meteorological conditions on respiratory symptoms in COPD. This was published by Mann and colleagues in CHEST in 1993, and the authors concluded that rising barometric pressures at times correlated with worsening symptoms. Others have noted that symptoms may increase when the barometric pressure falls, because the partial pressure of oxygen in the air drops a very small amount when this occurs. Changes in barometric pressure and temperature also affect air quality, which can exacerbate symptoms of COPD.
So, how does barometric pressure affect your lungs and your ability to breath?
For lungs to inflate, the air pressure in your lungs has to be less than the air outside the lungs. This is because air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. During bad weather (low pressure) and at high altitudes the air pressure is lower, making it harder for you to breathe.
Finally, it has also been suggested that a drop in barometric pressure can decrease the oxygen carrying capacity of the air. This drop may be small, but it may be significant enough when you have COPD, to make you feel short of breath.
I hope you found this information helpful and that it also helps you realize that what you are feeling is very common.
Have a great day!
David
About the author:
David Junga, RRT is a Nationally Board Certified Registered Respiratory Therapist and Program Director at Pulmonary Rehabilitation Associates, LLC and PulmonaryRehab.com. David has been in private practice since 1999 and loves teaching patients how to overcome their shortness of breath.
https://pulmonaryrehab.com
David is also a Postural Alignment Specialist certified by the Egoscue University and Program Director at CtPainFree. His other passion is teaching people how to eliminate chronic pain through simple yet powerful corrective exercises.
http://ctpainfree.com
Thank you! Your article was very informative. I have ILD and have been looking for a certified pulmonary rehab doctor with no luck. Any suggestions? I live in Chesapeake VA.
Hi Rob, we offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine and have Patients in Virginia as well as Worldwide.
Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
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Thank you!
This article confirmed my recent suspicions as I have some breathing issues when it is rainy or stormy conditions. Thank you,,ART
Hello, sorry for the delay we are just receiving this now.
You are very welcome!
We would really like the opportunity to also see how we can help you.
Please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
Is there anything you can do to treat this or abate this situation to lessen the symptoms?
Hello, sorry for the delay we are just receiving this now.
We would really like the opportunity to help you.
Please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
I have had COPD and bronchiectasis for years and have tried so hard to figure out what could cause sometimes quite radical changes in my breathing patterns. I have considered and worked on dietary and sleeping changes, tried to exercise more or less on a daily basis – in fact anything that could help me understand why I can have some pretty rough days.
Nothing has helped nor enlightened me – until last night.
I lay awake thinking about this and, as we were in the midst of a heavy band of rain / snow – a colliding pair of fronts ..low and high, I began to wonder about barometric pressure!
Just Googled and found your article… WOW! I realise that this knowledge doesn’t mean I can improve or avoid these slight exacerbation, but the clearer understanding certainly helps me deal with it! Thank you !!
Hi Gwen,
I am so happy this blog post helped you!
Also, we offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath.
Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
Thank you!
I have copd plus have had one lower lung removed due to lung cancer. Some days it is very hard to breathe even if I am on oxygen any suggestions to improve my lung function thx
Hi Barbara,
We would really like the opportunity to help you.
Please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
had a low pressure coming up the coast .i have copd and midnight i was woke up by an elaphant sitting on my chest.i had to get out of bed and sit up to breathe /even though i had oxygen on already.this lasted for a day and a half before it started to subside .worst effects i ever had from a low pressure .i get effects from lows but nacev had one that bad /it was a big storm /and the pressure was really low .now its gone and i feel fine /so i can tell before the barometer when a low is coming /and i wasn/t prepared for that one to be that bad .
Hi Carl,
So sorry you had to go through that.
Let’s see what I can do to help. We offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath. Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
Hello, I’m a professional singer-guitarist and have always been a powerful and skillful singer However since I had a severe fungus infection from these Oak trees here in pinelands, Nj, barometric pressure nd humidity causes me to gasp for breath for each word when i sing. This is VERY scary. I’ve never had any problem singing well and also wonder if my last chiropractor damaged my phrenic nerve when he did those adjustments. (hitting the throat with the side of his hand). I do NOT wish to get phrenic nerve surgery. what can I do to regain my vocal-diaphragm strength and prowess? thank you, David.
Hi Anita,
We have helped many Patients with diaphragmatic issues regain their strength with Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine.
It can really help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath.
Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
Thank you!
Thank You David! This past snow storm seemed to increase my difficulty to breathe and I wondered if the change in barometric pressure might have had an effect, not that I don’t have other things going on. I will be doing some more research, since this maybe a good possibility. I know that during snow storms more babies are born, being an old Biomed tech. LOL! I need to spend some more time on your website!
Hi William,
I am so happy this blog post helped you!
Also, we offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath.
Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
Thank you. The weather has been rain and miserable here the last 2 weeks and I noticed my breathing changes. I have COPD and emphysema. The area was hit with the tail end of hurricane zeta and a drop in temperature.
Hi Kathleen,
I am so happy this blog post helped you!
Let’s see how I I can help you further. We offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath. Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
I have chronic copd along with pulmonary hypertension. I live n the usa Mo. N fact and I’d like to understand why I’m having such a hard time breathing… I don’t understand the barometric pressure but I believe it has alot to do with how far I can walk. Which isn’t out of bed and to the couch without just panting for air. Canu help me understand.
Hi Charity,
Let’s see how I can help you further. We offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath. Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
I have been diagnosed with MAC And popcorn lung last year. I am lookin for a cure for both. Would love to know some breathing exercises to do
Hello, sorry for the delay we are just receiving this now.
We would really like the opportunity to help you.
Please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
I have had asthma for going on 5 to 6 years.. Never smoked, never allowed smoke in our home as my husband has also never smoked either. I am 83 so this came on late in life for me, not sure why it happened either. Anyway I seem to have more trouble on and off during bad weather conditions, and so my husband had wondered if the drop or rise of air pressure might have something to do with my episodes. Living in Fl. the weather can be very humid also and I have some allergies also…. Anyway, we more or less had thought the barometric pressure might be a problem for me and after reading your information about my problems, I feel like you solved the puzzle.. Thank you for your help..
ou are very welcome, if we can further help in any way, please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
Just knowing that it is the weather and not my COPD getting worse is a great relief. I can slow down when the weather/pressure becomes an issue and not panic that I am gettting worse. All of this follows 4 hospital stays with pneumonia since Thanksgiving. On oxygen 24/7 but still very active. Planning on returning to pulmonary rehab as soon as it opens again after closing because of the virus. That helped me for some 8 years.
Hi Ann,
I am so glad you found this post helpful! Let’s see how I can help you further. We offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath. Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
Thank you so very much! I have COPD and asthma and have been telling people this. They think I’m making it up but, you just proved it isn’t all in my head!
Very glad to help Terri and no it’s not all in your head.
Have a great day,
David
Thank you for putting me at ease. I am fairly new at this and after a couple days of rain and feeling poorly, you have explained why. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Barbara,
I am so happy this blog post helped you!
Let’s see how I I can help you further. We offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath. Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
Deep engulfing sadness along with shortness of breath and inability to talk happens with me with the pressure dropping. Then suddenly when it lifts I’m fine like nothing ever happened. I have asthma and COPD stage 3.
Hello,
Let’s see what I can do to help you.
We offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath.
Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
Dr. Junga, thank you for the information. I have been calling myself a human barometer for some time since I can feel a change in pressure coming on. I have bilateral bochdalek hernias in my diaphragm and am wondering if you know of any surgery/treatment for adults with this issue.
Hello, sorry for the delay we are just receiving this now.
We would really like the opportunity to help you.
Please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
I just ran across Mr. Junga article on Barometric change and breathing comfort. I found it very imformotive!
You are very welcome John, glad we could help.
We will let David know, he loves helping people.
Have a great day!
Hello David,
After reading the article, I am now convinced that BP really does affect copd patients such as myself!
Today I began logging the BP and watched it drop from 28.32 to 29.33 to 29.85 in three hours. this was tonight from 8:30 to 11:21.
Tthis morning I failed to check it, but I did not need my carry on o2 I use when ambulating, and this was a slow grade up to a garden where I picked some veggies.
Two weeks ago, I couldn’t even walk up the grade without my 02, and had hard time in garden while simply sitting on the ground and weeding! It was also warmer that day than today.
I am convinced that the BP has a strong effect on my breathing. I can go out in 85 degree weather with a low humidity (up to 45%). Any higher, even in cooler weather, is impossible for me.
I am beginning a diary now and chart these things. I am an R.N. and have attended 3 yearly Pulmon. therapies. Medicare only pays for one complete cycle of 8 weeks.
I am going to share what I find with my Pulmonologist. I learned basic stats in college this past year, so I can delineate the differences.
I’m 70, and refusing to allow this disease to prevent me from having a somewhat active, normal lifestyle.
God bless you,n Nola Norto
Hello, sorry for the delay we are just receiving this now.
We would really like the opportunity to help you.
Please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
I woul appreciate a chart to follow when breathing will be easier at such level and more difficult at another range
Hello, sorry for the delay we are just receiving this now.
We would really like the opportunity to help you.
Please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
Came across your article,just reading it made me feel improved .
I have lung fibrosis and asbestos plaques,.
Generally well ,providing I take my puffers etc ,twice daily,and when needed.
Today a thunderstorm is brewing and I feel exhausted,but it will clear and all will improve .
Thank you.
Hi Kathleen,
You are welcome, we are so glad you feel improved! Keep up the consistency with taking your meds and make sure you are focusing on exercise.
Thank you for this article. I have COPD and Alpha 1 Antitrypsin. I have had pneumonia @ least 1x/yr. Last was in July. I’ve had resp failure several times. Hand sanitizer is a great thing to carry & use frequently. A mask 😷 is a great help to many people as well. Thank you for your time.
Hi Dori, You are very welcome and those are great suggestions! If you aren’t currently enrolled in Pulmonary Rehab in your area, please look into it. A real Pulmonary Rehab program with proper exercises is critical in helping you stay healthy. If there aren’t any near you, we offer sessions online to help you get your life back! Private Online Pulmonary Rehab
Have a great day,
David
The above articles helped me understand why I have “Bad Air Days”.
Hi Jerry, we are very glad to help. Have a great day!
Hi David, this is so interesting and helpful, thank you. I have stage 3/4 copd plus bronchiectasis and asthma; just been in hospital in March with type 2 respiratory failure and double pneumonia. Have fought back to normal (normal being lots of activity, weights, gardening, bike riding etc) against expectations of my resp team but walking is the one thing which I find hard with tightness at front of chest at base of ribs. But yesterday, I managed to walk 12 minutes indoors with the breath going in and out so easily – SO unusual. We have warm dry weather at present in UK – would the barometric pressure have contributed to ease of breathing?
Hi Jean, I am so glad to hear that you have fought back to resume doing the things you love to do! In regards to breathing easier indoors, there are many factors. If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss this further, we would love the opportunity to help you! Please contact us here to schedule an appointment: Contact Us
Thank you for this information! I have COPD and on oxygen and today my lungs felt as though they shrunk and very tight. I checked weather and saw the low pressure and looked it up and found your article…wow my Doctor never told me this, had he it would have made so much more sense to me. Thank you
You are very welcome, if we can further help in any way, please schedule a free consultation with David so he can assist you.
Here is the link:
https://calendly.com/pulmonaryrehab/15min
Thank you!
Ok. This makes sense!I have bilateral vocal cord paralysis and on some stormy okla TorCon days my breathing becomes labored. I thought it might be due to the drop in barometric pressure. I’ll just put on my O2 and get on with my day! Thank you!
Hi Christine, I am glad you found our information useful and we really love your positive attitude!
You are very welcome, have a great day!
I have COPD and Pulmonary Fibrosis. I have just had a trip over the mountains and back. The weather was very overcast and snowing. Since my return my oxygen level has fallen, leaving me not feeling well and short of breath. Am wondering if theses trips could affect my breathing?
Hi Karen, great question.
Yes, the weather as well as altitude changes can have an effect on your breathing.
You should definitely discuss this with your Doctor and create a plan of action so you can continue to do the activities that you enjoy…safely.
Have a great day!
David
I have known for a long time that storm fronts can effect my breathing, but it has gotten much worse since moving to a higher elevation and overdoing it on a hike. I have since been diagnosed with mild respiratory obstruction. The elevation change was from about 350-400 ft to about 3500-3800 ft. I now have many more episodes of breathing difficulties. I’m also very out of shape and unsure what I should and should not do as far as exercise. I don’t get the sense my pulmonologist considers the change in altitude and pressure to be of significant importance. Is that a high enough elevation to matter?
Hi Tina,
I am so glad you found this post helpful! Let’s see how I can help you further. We offer Pulmonary Rehab sessions via TeleMedicine to help you breathe better, get stronger and have less shortness of breath. Please use this link to schedule a free Zoom consultation to see how we can help you.
Free Zoom Consultation
I look forward to meeting you!
This is very helpful. I have had unilateral diaphragm paralysis for about 15-20 years and am recovering from bilateral paralysis where the other side that also became paralyzed is returning to function following being lost after a severe GI infection about 2.5 years ago. I thought it was just me that I did not feel as well during bad weather and low barometric pressure and it was surprised it would make a difference.
Thank you!
Hi Ken, We are very glad this helped you.
If you ever want a complimentary consultation regarding how we can help you with diaphragm specific building exercises, please let us know.
Have a great day!
David
Would love to know exercises for building up the diaphragm…..thank you
Hi Jeannie, thank you for the suggestion. We will work on a blog post for that.
Have a great day!
This was very helpful in explaining why I have shortness of breath when the barometer falls. I knew it had some effect, and this explains why.
Thank you Wanda! If there any other topics you would like us to cover in our blog, please just let us know.