The best room temperature for people with asthma is between 68°F and 71°F with a lower humidity between 30% and 50%. This mild air temperature and humidity won’t irritate the airways.

The ideal room temperature for people with asthma is a mild temperature with lower humidity.

Extreme temperatures and humidity levels can trigger an asthma attack. However, you can lower your risk indoors by adjusting the room temperature and avoiding possible irritants that could affect your asthma symptoms.

Very hot temperatures with high humidity and very cold temperatures can worsen asthma. That’s why experts recommend more mild temperatures.

However, there is not much specific research examining the exact room temperature that may be best for someone with asthma.

In a small study from 2012, researchers found that a room temperature of 68°F to 71°F (20°C to 21.6°C) is ideal for people with asthma.

Aside from that older research, there’s not much to show the best temperature.

The American Lung Association recommends the same indoor temperature and air quality conditions in its guidelines on safe school environments, and it advises people with asthma to avoid cold and extreme temperatures.

Most health experts recommend that people with asthma avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures and limit exposure to humidity.

Along with limiting exposure to poor air quality and issues like dust inside, these are good preventive measures to take for people who live with asthma.

Tips to help your indoor air quality

There are several devices you can use to create the ideal temperature and humidity levels indoors:

  • Exhaust fans: To maintain low humidity, turn on the exhaust fan when you shower. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, open a window.
  • Humidifier: If you live in a dry environment, a humidifier can make the air more comfortable to breathe in. It can also humidify the air during the winter when the indoor heat increases.
  • Dehumidifier: If you live in a humid and damp environment, a dehumidifier can keep humidity levels low.
  • Air conditioner: An air conditioner can also help asthma symptoms by reducing indoor humidity.

Be sure to clean these appliances regularly, too. Doing so minimizes harmful bacteria and dust, which can reduce your home’s air quality.

The best device for you depends on your asthma triggers, the current weather, and the air quality in your home.

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Because asthma involves the airways, inhaling the air directly affects asthma symptoms. Different aspects of the air, including temperature and humidity, determine these symptoms.

Sudden changes in air temperature can trigger asthma. For example, a sudden change can occur if it’s hot outside and you enter a cool building.

Specifically, extreme air temperature and high humidity (both indoors and outdoors) can worsen asthma.

Heat

Breathing in a hot and humid environment can be difficult because inhaling this air can tighten your airways. You may also breathe faster in hot weather, becoming dehydrated and triggering asthma symptoms.

Hot temperatures may also increase pollen counts and air pollution levels. Pollen and pollution can trigger asthma symptoms.

Cold

A cold environment can also worsen asthma symptoms. Cold air, which is often dry, causes the mucus that naturally coats your airways to quickly evaporate, irritating and narrowing your airways.

In addition to extreme weather and air temperature, other environmental factors can trigger asthma symptoms. These include:

  • Dust mites: Dust mites are a common allergen that can trigger asthma flare-ups. They thrive in humid environments and accumulate on bedding, carpets, and other fabrics.
  • Mold: Mold grows in damp and humid environments and can promote asthma symptoms. Regular cleaning and low indoor humidity can help control mold.
  • Pollen: Pollen counts are higher on warm days and after thunderstorms. If you’re allergic to pollen, high pollen counts may cause an asthma flare-up.
  • Air pollution: Pollution from vehicles, wildfires, and factories can also trigger an asthma attack.

When to seek medical care

If you begin to experience asthma symptoms and haven’t received a diagnosis, consider seeking medical care right away. A doctor can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment based on your symptoms.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with asthma, continue getting regular checkups from your doctor. This allows them to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as necessary.

You may consider consulting your healthcare team in the following scenarios:

  • you need to use an inhaler more often
  • your symptoms get worse after taking medication
  • you have a worsening or persisting cough
  • you feel dizzy or weak
  • you’re unable to breathe during daily activities like cooking dinner
  • you experience new wheezing

Some research suggests the best room temperature for people with asthma is between 68°F and 71°F (20°C and 21.6°C). This mild air temperature won’t irritate the airways. An indoor humidity level between 30% and 50% is ideal for people with asthma.

Implement strategies to manage your asthma. Work with your doctor to create a management plan that suits your lifestyle. This will reduce your risk of asthma symptoms in both indoor and outdoor environments.