The Allergy-Asthma Connection

Today, as many as 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies (also called hay fever or spring allergies), according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology[i], and many of these people also experience asthma symptoms that are sparked by their allergic condition.

If you fall into this group, then when the pollen count is high, you may find yourself sneezing with an itchy throat, nose and eyes and these symptoms can also cause your asthma symptoms to flare. In fact, the experts report that even if your asthma is well-controlled, when you experience severe seasonal allergy symptoms, it not unusual for your asthma to suddenly surface again. This makes it doubly important to protect yourself as the weather warms, so you won't end up feeling miserable this year.

It's that Time of Year

Earlier on in spring, it is often tree pollen that is to blame for allergy and asthma symptoms, while later in the season, grass pollen can complicate things.  But regional differences can be a factor in what sets off your symptoms and how bad they get. And regardless of where you live, the forecast can also come into play, since dry windy days can sweep more pollen up in the air, where it can eventually get into your nose and airways and cause your immune system to react, while rainy days can relieve your symptoms by cleaning the air and washing pollen down to the ground.

There are a number of effective treatment options available today to ease the discomfort that occurs in the allergy-asthma process, but better yet, the experts advise people to take some strategic steps to try to prevent the reaction from occurring in the first place.

Educate Yourself

Before you can prevent your spring allergies and asthma, you need to know what causes them in the first place. To this end, you will want to pay attention to where you are and what you are doing when your symptoms flare. Some people find it helpful to keep a journal to help them identify triggers. You may also want to talk to your doctor about having allergy testing done, so you will know exactly what substances make you sick. In addition to various types of pollen, another big springtime trigger is airborne mold.

Check the Weather

Many people with seasonal allergies find that it helps to check the local pollen and mold counts and plan their outdoor activities according. This information is usually given on the television and radio weather forecasts and is also included in your local newspaper.  You can also get information on pollen and mold counts through the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's web site at www.aaaai.org.[ii]

In addition, you can check the Air Quality Index provided by the Environmental Protection Agency to make sure the current air conditions are safe for people with asthma. You can find this information at www.airnow.gov.[iii]

Stay Inside

On hot, dry days when the wind is blowing or when the air quality is especially poor, you will be best off skipping the outdoor activities and staying inside with the windows closed and the air conditioning on. If you find your symptoms acting up even indoors, try taking a hot shower and washing your hair and clothes to remove any allergens you could have brought inside with you. Also keep in mind that pollen can get in through your windows, so vacuum and clean often to minimize your exposure.  

While taking steps to safeguard yourself and minimize your exposure to allergens is the often the best approach, that alone may not be enough. You can also talk to your doctor about the latest medications that are available to keep your body from reacting to triggers. With a little effort and planning, you can keep your symptoms in check so you can enjoy the nice weather and stay free from your symptoms.

 


[i] American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens, which can be found online at http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/outdoorallergens.stm.

[ii] AAAAI provides information on mold and pollen counts throughout the nation that have been compiled by the National Allergy Bureau and can be accessed through AAAAI's website at http://www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm.

[iii] The Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index rates the quality of air and its safety for the general public and for people with varying level of health risks. You can access the information at www.airnow.gov.