If you have asthma, you may have noticed that your asthma symptoms may be better or worse depending on the time of year. While fall and winter are generally associated with worsening asthma symptoms, summer also brings about its own unique challenges. Many experience worsening of their asthma symptoms when the weather starts to heat up.
Summer is especially hard on asthma sufferers because of the extreme heat. Especially here in Texas, it is not unusual to have many days throughout the summer when the temperature is higher than one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
This extreme heat can make you more vulnerable to asthma attacks. Breathing in the hot air can irritate your airway causing it to become inflamed and increasing the likelihood of having an asthma attack.
The summer humidity also causes difficulties for asthma sufferers. Humid air is heavier than dry air which causes it to be more difficult to breathe. This heavy humid air can irritate your airways increasing the chances of having an asthma attack.
In addition, humid air is moist, and this moisture makes it easier for pollens, pollutants, and mold to get trapped in the air. That is why summer is especially difficult for those who have been diagnosed with allergy-related asthma. Irritants are more likely to be in the air during the summer, especially in urban areas. This is why you may notice your allergies flare up during the summer months.
Not only do the heat and humidity cause problems for those diagnosed with asthma, but we also tend to spend more time outside during the summertime. Whether you enjoy playing sports, going for a walk, or simply spending time at the park, we overall, spend more time outside in the summer. This increases our chances of becoming exposed to allergens or pollutants which could worsen asthma symptoms.
With all that being said, there are some things you can do to help decrease your chances of having an asthma attack. First, it is important to ensure your asthma is well controlled entering the summer. If you are having more frequent asthma attacks, make sure you talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the correct medications.
In order to handle the heat, you may consider staying indoors during the hottest times of the day, in an air-conditioned building. Limiting exposure to extreme heat can help decrease your chances of having an asthma attack. You can also set up a dehumidifier in you home if you have seasonal allergies or if you notice the humidity causing asthma symptoms.
If you are affected by allergens or pollutants, there are a few things you can do the help minimize your chances of an asthma attack. First, make sure your allergies are controlled by talking to your doctor. There are several medications available to help with allergy symptoms, including allergy shots. You should also monitor air quality/pollen counts each day.
Many phone applications and news media outlets regularly broadcast a report on the air quality in your area so you can have a good idea of the risk for that day. If it is a high-risk day, you may consider staying home if possible or at the very least, minimizing your time outside.
You should also consider showering after coming inside to wash off any allergens or pollutants that may have stuck onto you while you were outside. Also, it is always a good idea, regardless of the season, to keep your home clean and dust-free if you suffer from asthma.
All in all, although summertime brings its own challenges for those with asthma, by following these simple tips above, you can minimize your chances of an asthma attack and enjoy the summer months with family and friends. As always, if you notice a worsening of your asthma symptoms or allergy symptoms, see your doctor to discuss what treatment options might be available for you.
Dr. Windecker is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
