It’s that time of year again. Spring has sprung. If you’re struggling with asthma, and wondering why it always seems to worsen in the spring, it’s because the most common type of asthma is allergic (seasonal). More than 25 million Americans have asthma, with 60% having allergic.
Allergic asthma symptoms are your body’s response to an allergen it thinks is a threat, even if harmless. This can occur year-round due to weather changes, but tends to peak in mid-April. Read on to learn about what causes allergic asthma, and when you should seek care.
What triggers seasonal asthma?
Allergens
The air you breathe both outside and at home may contain many allergens that can trigger seasonal asthma including:
- Pollen– Tree and grass pollen is most abundant in the spring while weeds and ragweed release their pollen in the fall.
- Dust mites– These microscopic organisms live on soft surfaces in your home like carpets, mattresses and more.
- Pet dander– When the weather gets warmer, your pet is more likely to shed, which leads to more allergens in the air.
- Mold spores– Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors, it produces spores which get into the air.
Weather
Seasonal asthma can be triggered by a variety of weather events:
- Hot & humid weather– worsens air quality and makes breathing more difficult.
- Cold air– constricts and irritates your airways.
- Thunderstorms– allow allergens to absorb moisture and break down so they are easier to inhale.
- Windy weather– spreads pollen and mold spores.
While seasonal (allergic) asthma may be the most common, there are many different types of asthma that can be triggered by age, genetics, exercise and more.
Why is my asthma getting worse?
Many people are experiencing more frequent asthma attacks for a number of reasons, including:
- Climate change – Fueled by mild winters and higher temperatures, plants are blooming sooner and for longer periods of time, leading to extended pollen seasons and a rise in seasonal allergies.
- Temperature fluctuations – The first warm spell prompts trees and grasses to release their first round of pollen. Taking preventive medication early on may lessen your allergy symptoms for the season.
- Sudden weather changes – Asthma symptoms often flare up after rapid changes in barometric pressure, humidity, and/or temperature, which all occur more often in today’s climate.
It’s not your imagination, these factors really are making your asthma worse.
When to seek care for allergic asthma symptoms?
Seek medical care if you have any of these symptoms, signaling an asthma attack:
- Your chest feels tight
- You have persistent coughing or wheezing
- You have trouble breathing during routine activities
Asthma attacks can happen at any time and can last from a few minutes to several days depending how severe your symptoms are.
Symptoms of allergic asthma can also be more mild and similar to other spring ailments, these include:
- Itchy eyes
- Runny/stuffy nose
- A rash or hives
Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, here are some additional things you can do this spring to help keep your asthma symptoms under control:
- Always take your asthma medications as directed.
- Avoid or limit contact with your asthma triggers, including outdoor and indoor allergens.
- Close your windows and doors, especially on high pollen days.
- Stay indoors during peak pollen hours, if you go outdoors, change your clothes and bathe or shower afterward.
- Respiratory infections like colds and the flu can worsen your asthma, so get a flu shot every year.
Breathe easier with vybe
If your asthma or allergies are acting up this spring, vybe is open 7 days a week with extended hours to test and treat your symptoms.
vybe also offers a full range of urgent care services including, lab tests and screenings, physical exams, vaccinations, and more. To keep feeling your best, walk in or schedule an appointment online at your nearest vybe location today!
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