Spring, Allergies & Asthma
Spring has just begun, which means warmer temperatures and blooming plants and flowers. For some, this means the beginning of allergy and asthma season, too.
About 50 percent of people with asthma also suffer from allergies. If spring means sneezing, a runny nose and asthma attacks to you, then it is important to know what triggers your symptoms.
The problem with pollen
Pollen is one of the most common allergens that can act as a trigger for people with asthma, according to the American Lung Association. You can’t avoid pollen completely, but here are some of the tips to help keep it at bay:
- Check the local pollen count and try to spend time outside when the pollen count is lowest. Also, avoid being outside when the grass has just been cut.
- Take a shower and wash your clothes after being outside to keep pollen out of your home.
- Don’t use an outdoor clothesline.
- Use the air conditioner in the car.
- Avoid strong-smelling citronella candles and use unscented mosquito repellent lotion instead of a spray.
Inside triggers
Dust mite excretion and pet dander also can trigger an allergic reaction. Dusting and vacuuming floors can help eliminate asthma and allergy triggers inside the home.
Other tips include keeping indoor humidity levels below 50 percent and the use of dust-mite resistant pillow and mattress covers.
Talk to a physician
There’s no way to eliminate everything that might trigger your asthma and allergy symptoms during the spring months. It’s important to use prescribed medications as directed by your physician.
Talk to your physician if you have trouble controlling your symptoms during the warmer months, so together you can develop a plan that will work with your lifestyle.
