Dizziness and shortness of breath with chest tightness when it gets hot in summer—what's the cause and what should I do?

Feeling dizzy and experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath when it gets hot in summer may be caused by high environmental temperatures, prolonged outdoor activities, heat exhaustion, hypotension, bronchial asthma, or other conditions. These symptoms can generally be managed through cooling measures, rest, and medical treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. High environmental temperature: In high-temperature environments, blood vessels dilate, reducing relative blood supply to the brain. Meanwhile, the body's metabolism accelerates, increasing oxygen consumption, which may lead to dizziness and chest tightness with shortness of breath. It is recommended to promptly move to a cool, well-ventilated area and reduce the ambient temperature using fans or air conditioning to alleviate discomfort.

2. Prolonged outdoor activity: Extended exposure to outdoor heat or physical activity during summer can cause heavy sweating, leading to fluid and electrolyte loss, reduced blood volume, and resulting in dizziness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Activities should be stopped immediately, and individuals should rest in a cool place and drink moderate amounts of lightly salted water to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

3. Heat exhaustion: In high-temperature environments, the body produces more heat than it can dissipate, causing heat accumulation and symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, often accompanied by thirst, excessive sweating, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment mainly involves using medications like Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, Shidi Shui, and Ren Dan as directed by a physician, combined with physical cooling methods.

4. Hypotension: High summer temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate further, lowering blood pressure and reducing cerebral blood supply, which can cause dizziness. The heart's pumping pressure also decreases, potentially causing chest tightness and shortness of breath, often accompanied by visual darkening and fatigue. Doctors generally recommend treatment with medications such as Shengmai Oral Liquid, Midodrine Hydrochloride Tablets, and Huangqi Jing Granules.

5. Bronchial asthma: High summer temperatures may trigger bronchial spasms, airway narrowing, impaired ventilation, and resulting chest tightness and shortness of breath. Severe cases may lead to hypoxia and dizziness, often accompanied by wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Treatment should follow medical advice to use medications such as Budesonide/Formoterol Inhalation Powder (II), Salbutamol Aerosol, and Montelukast Sodium Chewable Tablets.

In daily life, during summer, it is advisable to avoid going outdoors during peak heat hours. When going out, take precautions against sun exposure and heat, carry heatstroke-prevention medications, maintain adequate hydration, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to improve physical fitness, thereby reducing the occurrence of dizziness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.