Dear Students,
As a result of the fires in the surrounding Austin area, the Hilltop is experiencing some of the same air quality concerns as the rest of the city of Austin. Please see the following tips from the Health & Counseling Center on how to protect your respiratory health during this time.
Helpful Tips
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Stay indoors as much as possible with air conditioners running
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Exercise indoors
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Use your car air conditioner set on re-circulated air
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Take medications as required if you have asthma or some other medical condition
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Do not burn candles or vacuum
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Drink plenty of water
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Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or you have trouble breathing
Advice for Asthma Sufferers
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Allergies can make your asthma symptoms worse. In addition viral infections, tobacco, pollutants, cold air, exercise, fumes from chemicals or perfume can all cause flare ups of asthma.
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Mild flare up – Shortness of breath with walking or exercise, but feel fine when sitting still. Can usually breathe well enough to talk in complete sentences. May hear some wheezing, mostly when you breathe out.
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Moderate flare up – Feel breathless when you talk or walk around, but feel better when sitting quietly. May not be able to finish whole sentences without taking a breath. May be awakening at night with asthma symptoms. You may hear loud wheezing especially when you breathe out.
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Serious flare up – Breathing will be very difficult. You will feel breathless even when sitting still. You might only use a few words at a time because you are so short of breath. You continue to get worse even while using quick-acting medication (i.e., rescue inhaler). May need to be treated in an emergency room.
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Things that make asthma worse include smoke, dust, pests, mold, animals, odors/sprays, pollen, colds and flu, weather, exercise, and air pollution.
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If students experience difficulties with their breathing, please encourage them to seek medical attention.
Special Note for Students Planning to Attend Austin City Limits Music Festival
Air quality is likely to still be compromised by the fires as well as the dry/dusty conditions at the venue. Please take extra precautions to maintain your respiratory health.
