Real Solutions for Spring Asthma Symptoms

Does the beauty of spring take your breath away? If so, and if the connection is more than figurative, then you may be one of the many people who suffer from spring asthma. Spring asthma is really just another name for seasonal asthma, or asthma that has its roots in seasonal allergy triggers. If this sounds all too familiar, then the coming of spring may indeed cause your airways to become inflamed and fill with mucus, which can make you cough and wheeze.

The Problem of Spring Asthma

When it comes to spring asthma, there can be a range of different factors that set off their symptoms, but two of the most common ones are pollen and mold. Therefore, minimizing your exposure to these allergens could make a big difference in how you feel and how well you can breathe.

How to Control Seasonal Factors

Please review some ideas of things you can do to this spring to help keep your seasonal asthma under control.

  • Check the pollen count so you know when it's best to stay inside. Generally between the hours of 5 and 10 a.m. is when counts are at their highest, as well as on particularly windy days. You can find out the pollen situation each day through your local radio station and newspaper, or through the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's website at http://www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=pollen.

  • Keep the windows in your house and your car closed, especially at times when pollen and mold counts are high.

  • Run the air conditioner at home and in your car to help clean the air.

  • Plan your outings on days after it rains, since this is when pollen is most likely to be washed away. Or head for the beach for a pollen-free day.

  • Hire someone else to do your yard work, since gardening and raking leaves are apt to stir up allergens, which can trigger your asthma.

  • Wear a mask if you must do some work in your yard yourself.

  • Take a shower before bed to remove any allergens trapped in your hair or on your skin before bed. This should help you to breathe better.

Follow Your Asthma Action Plan

While these simple steps can help to prevent the worst of your asthma symptoms, you'll still need to follow your asthma action plan and take your control medication as directed, not only in the spring but all year long to prevent any serious problems from kicking in. In addition, when you feel your symptoms flaring, it's important to pay attention and respond as needed with your fast-acting relief medication. With a little effort, you can keep your seasonal asthma from stealing the spring from your step this year.



Sources:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/springallergy/
http://www.aaaai.org/springallergy/understanding_signs_symptoms.stm