Asthma and the Weather

During an asthma attack, the airways in and out of your lungs narrow and your body makes extra mucus, both of which make it hard for you to breathe. Let’s investigate certain types of weather and seasonal changes that can lead to attacks for people.

Heat

Breathing in hot air can irritate airways that are already narrowed. Heat and sunlight can make pollution worse when they mix with chemicals in the air, creating smog. Monitor air quality and weather forecasts and limit your time outside if the forecast looks worrisome. Air conditioning keeps you cool and filters out irritants.

Cold

Colder air can dry out the tissues in your airways, making them more sensitive and likely to close. A scarf or other fabric loosely wrapped over your lower face will help warm the air before you inhale it. Breathing through your nose rather than your mouth will also help.

Humidity

A moist atmosphere is a friendly environment for mold and dust mites, both of which irritate the lungs. An air conditioner or dehumidifier can help keep your home dry. If you need to be outdoors, try to get out in the afternoon when it is usually less humid.

High Pollen Counts

All types of trees and plants give off pollen, or a fine yellow powder. Pollen is a major cause of allergies and an asthma trigger for many people. Working with an allergist, you can figure out the specific kinds that bother you. Medicine, allergy shots or both can help manage your allergies.

Thunderstorms

Rain and lightning can break pollen into smaller-than-normal pieces. This can then be spread by the wind, which gets into your lungs and sets off your asthma. If pollen is one of your triggers, try to stay indoors during strong rainstorms and keep windows closed.

Rain

Rain can have mixed effects on asthma. Light showers can wash pollen away, potentially easing your symptoms. However, a strong downpour will break up pollen and spread it. Dust mites and mild also thrive in wet weather. Make sure that you change air conditioning filters often and that steamy rooms like the kitchen and bathroom have good ventilation to fight mildew growth.

Abrupt Changes

When there are abrupt changes in the weather, your asthma symptoms may flare up. Some experts believe that pressure plays a role, but other research suggests that it is the shifts in humidity and temperature.

Winter

In addition to the cold air, these winter months are prime times for colds and the flu, which can spur attacks. A flu vaccine can lower your odds of getting sick. If you light up a fireplace, the wood smoke can also be an irritant. Electric or gas heat for your home is best.

Summer

More time outside means more exposure to things that stress your airways. Seasonal triggers include smoke from cookouts or strong chlorine smells from swimming pools. Showering after you have been outside for long periods of time will help remove pollen from your clothes and hair.
 

While you can’t control the outdoors, being prepared for changing weather will help keep you safe and reduce your chances of an asthma attack.

 
Source: WebMD
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