The side effects of springtime can be difficult for many people to endure, even though they want to be outside in the sunshine and beauty of a world that is waking up from winter. Excess pollen, blooming trees, blossoms, and weather fluctuations trigger asthma sufferers especially. Asthma is a chronic condition, and springtime can cause frequent asthma flares. Let’s explore how some of these attacks can be minimized or prevented so you can still enjoy the spring.
Asthma Management to Reduce Asthma Flares
There is no doubt about it – asthma sufferers must take precautions when it comes to allergens that trigger their chronic condition. It’s difficult to avoid all things spring though since going outside is unavoidable.
Every asthma case is unique to that person, which means treatment must be customized too. The most important elements to consider in the development of an asthma management plan include:
- Typical daily environment
- Time spent outdoors
- Exposure to allergens
- Existing chronic conditions
Environment Control for Asthma Sufferers
Home is your indoor safe zone and you can control most of what’s in that space to ease respiratory triggers like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath common to asthma flares. If you love to be outdoors, suffering from asthma is a struggle anytime of year. Each season presents new challenges, but especially spring. It may be necessary to change your routine or the times you go outside to prevent an asthma flare-up.
- Humidity. Breathing in humid air is harder for people with asthma because asthma makes the airways constrict and tighten. Humidity also creates damp, stagnant air and traps pollutants and allergens, from dust mites to mold. It’s important to identify the ideal indoor temperature and humidity level.
- Scents. From air fresheners to candles, indoor scents can wreak havoc on an asthmatic’s respiratory system and are not always advisable. Beware of any smoke or strong odors in the house, especially those that linger, and make sure ventilation is excellent.
- Cleaning items. Spring cleaning is tradition, but many cleaning supplies are irritating to people with asthma. Before you tend to any indoor clean-ups, carefully vet your cleaning options so they’re asthma friendly and consider outsourcing any major jobs to others.
- Outdoor exercise. You don’t have to stop taking care of your health, but exercising outdoors in the spring can make your condition far worse. Check the pollen count before you do anything and develop a plan with your doctor to manage any flare-ups.
Get Help with Chronic Asthma from Dr. Maria Swetech
If you are struggling with your asthma, if you have not been diagnosed with asthma but the symptoms mentioned here are familiar, contact me, Dr. Maria Swetech. Let’s talk about your environment, lifestyle, and symptoms to determine whether you have asthma, allergies, or another chronic condition. Schedule an appointment when you’re ready and get on track to a happy spring and summer of breathing easy.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
