Asthma and the weather

Asthma is a very common chronic respiratory disease that cannot be completely cured. When asthma is severe without timely treatment, the patient can die suddenly. Causes of asthma attacks are often caused by cigarette smoke, polluted air, pet dander... So does the change in weather have anything to do with the onset of an asthma attack?

People with asthma or bronchial asthma have narrower than normal airways in the lungs, combined with increased mucus secretion, making it difficult for people with asthma to breathe. Most people with asthma have different asthma triggers, but certain weather changes and seasonal changes can trigger episodes of shortness of breath.

When people with asthma breathe in high-temperature air (hot air) it can irritate the airways that are already narrow. Heat and sunlight can worsen air pollution as they mix with chemicals and create smog.
Asthmatics should be concerned about air quality and weather forecasts. At the same time, limit time outdoors if the weather changes in a bad direction. Using an air conditioner is also a way to both help cool the body and increase the removal of irritants in the air.

When the temperature drops, asthma symptoms may get worse. Cold air can dry out the tissues in the airways, making them more sensitive and easier to close. Just using a towel loosely wrapped around the lower half of the face will help the person with asthma warm the air before breathing in, and make the person breathe through the nose instead of the mouth.

People with asthma may find it difficult to breathe in environments where the air is too humid. A humid atmosphere is also ideal for the growth of mold and dust mites, two common triggers for asthma attacks. Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help keep the environment dry. If you need to be outdoors, people with asthma should try to go outside in the afternoon, when the humidity in the air seems to be lower.

All trees and plants can release pollen, a fine, yellow powder. Pollen is considered one of the main causes of allergies and triggers the onset of shortness of breath for many people, especially people with asthma. An allergist can help a patient determine which pollen is causing the irritation, so that prophylactic medications, allergy shots, or both can be indicated.

Major storms can pose a particular threat to people with asthma. Rain, lightning impact pollen, causing them to break into many smaller pieces than usual. The pollen is then dispersed by the wind, entering the respiratory system of an asthmatic and triggering symptoms. If pollen is identified as one of the triggers for asthma, the patient should stay indoors, close the windows when there is a strong storm.

When the weather changes suddenly, asthma symptoms can flare up more strongly. Some experts believe that atmospheric pressure plays an important role. Other studies suggest that weather changes such as humidity and temperature are the culprits. Therefore, asthmatics need to monitor the weather forecast regularly to know when major weather fluctuations will occur.

Showers can have different effects on asthma . A light rain washes pollen from the air and soothes asthma symptoms. However, a downpour will break up the pollen and cause it to spread widely.
At the same time, dust mites and mold, two agents that can initiate breathing difficulties, thrive when the weather changes to wet. People with asthma cannot control the outside air, but can manage the indoor air by changing the air conditioner filters regularly and making sure the areas are humid (like the kitchen, bathroom). Have good ventilation to prevent mold growth.

Not only does the cold winter air trigger asthma, this season is a favorable time for colds and flu, which in turn promotes asthma exacerbations. Getting vaccinated against the flu can reduce your odds of getting sick. If you burn a fireplace in the winter, wood smoke can be an irritating trigger for someone with asthma. Instead, create coziness by using electricity or gas for your home.

More time outdoors means more exposure to asthmatic respiratory irritants. Seasonal triggers can include smoke from stoves or a strong chlorine smell from swimming pools. Although the weather is fine enough to dry outdoors, using a dryer will prevent irritants from sticking to the fabric. In addition, people with asthma should take a shower after being outdoors to remove pollen on their clothes and body.
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