After a spell of dry and bone-chilling winters, spring season infuses colours back to life. One can see change in weather, flowers blossoming, new leaves popping out and of course the pleasant weather conditions.
However, spring is not always merrier for some people, especially for those suffering from allergies including asthma. If avoided, spring season that begins from mid of January, can become really challenging.
Mild winter temperatures can lead to plants pollinating early, that can result in airway inflammation and worsen underlying asthma. Moreover, a rainy weather during the spring can also result in rapid plant growth, which leads to rise in mold or fungi.
Why asthma worsens with climate change?
It is true that asthma symptoms can flare due to various reasons like second-hand smoking and exercise. But there are several other climate change triggers that include pollen, air pollution, temperature, humidity and viruses.
With the change of season, mold spores are spread in windy weather, inhaling of which can cause severe allergies to asthmatic patients. With fungi growing everywhere, allergic reactions can occur throughout the year.
Breathing problem definitely wreaks havoc in our lives but with effective treatment one can resolve this issue and lead a hassle free and productive life. Proper knowledge of the triggers can help people with asthma to decide on proper dosage of medication.
Tips to avoid your triggers:
- Try and stay indoor during midday and during the afternoon, as pollen counts are highest during that time
- Keep a check on pollen and mold counts through weather reports though newspapers, radio and television
- Keep windows and doors closed at home and in car as the allergy season peaks, instead opt for air conditioning
- Make sure to take a shower, wash hair and change clothes when you comeback from work or playing outdoors. If one does not do this, pollens will stick to the body and will transfer pollens inside the home
- Take appropriate medication well beforehand
- Do most of work out indoors and if exercising outside, take asthma medications before
- Dry clothes and sheets indoors as outdoor clotheslines can leave laundry coated with pollen
- Keep your grass short and wear a filter mask during gardening, mowing the lawn or any other outdoor chores
