Ask any asthma patient and he will tell you that sudden intake of hot or cold food or drink often sets off his asthma attack. This happens due to sudden bronchospasm caused by temperature change. Very similarly, sudden change in weather can also offset an asthma attack in individuals with poorly controlled symptoms or in those with irregular treatment. Cold or damp air can enter the airways and trigger them to go into spasm, resulting in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest – the common symptoms of asthma.
It is not only the cold winter temperature that precipitates an asthma attack. Hot and humid weather can also be a problem. A recent research showed that breathing of hot, humid air triggered an immediate increase in airway resistance in patients with mild asthma. It was also found that persistent breathing of humid and hot air lead to consistent coughing in people with asthma.
The combination of heat and sunlight can be a big trigger for asthma. In the summer months, exhaust fumes, increased ozone from smog, and pollutants tend to be higher and can trigger asthma symptoms.
Asthma is also precipitated by pollen and moulds which are found in heavy concentration in the atmosphere in the months of February, March and April and after rainfall. Some studies have shown that thunderstorms may increase emergency department visits for asthma by more than 15% as high winds that occur during a big storm increase fungal spores in the air.
Specific weather triggers will vary from individual to individual. Managing the symptoms of weather-related asthma is similar to managing asthma that is triggered by any other cause. Whether the trigger is heat, pollen or a fierce rainstorm, the best way to avoid climate-connected asthma is to first identify what your triggers are. Specific weather triggers will vary from individual to individual. If cold air is your trigger, use inhalers before going out in the cold and wear a face mask or scarf over your face. If your asthma tends to worsen in scorching summer, try to stay in a controlled environment.
DR MANOJ KUMAR GOEL
Director & Unit Head, Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine
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