7982100200
If someone’s asthma symptoms are flaring up in sync with seasonal changes or allergies, they might be dealing with seasonal asthma. You may wonder, what do asthma and seasonal changes have in common besides making your life uncomfortable? Quite a lot, actually.
For many people, a certain time of the year seems to go hand in hand with breathing troubles. Triggers like changes in weather, airborne pollen, dust, and pet dander can all contribute to worsening symptoms. That is why seasonal asthma is often referred to as allergic asthma.
To help you better understand and manage this condition, here is all you need to know about asthma caused by seasonal variations:
What is Seasonal Asthma and its Cause
Seasonal asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered in specific seasons due to certain allergens and weather changes. Unlike normal asthma, which persists throughout the year, seasonal asthma can come and go depending on triggers, such as pollen from trees or weeds, mould, dust mites, or cold air.
When you are allergic to something, your immune system perceives the allergen as a threat that must be eliminated. It releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that trigger the release of molecules like histamine that cause allergic reactions like nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin reactions. In people with asthma, this process can affect the lungs and airways, leading to asthmatic symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms of Seasonal Asthma
Here are some common seasonal asthma symptoms in adults and children:
- Coughing, which may worsen at night
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in your chest
- Wheezing, which sounds like a whistling noise when you breathe
Seasonal asthma is often caused by allergens such as dust, mould, or pollen, which is why you may also notice allergy symptoms, such as:
- Stuffy nose.
- Nasal drainage
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Rash or hives
What Are The Common Triggers of Seasonal Asthma
Depending on a person’s health and allergies, certain triggers can cause asthma flare-ups. Some of the common triggers for seasonal asthma include:
Pollen
Pollen is a powdery substance released from trees, grass, weeds, and ragweed. It is one of the most common triggers of seasonal asthma and is usually most abundant during the spring season. So, if you are experiencing seasonal asthma during spring, pollen could be the reason.
Cold Weather
While asthma in winter is not always common, some people might experience it. During cold weather, you are more likely to stay indoors, which can increase your exposure to allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, mould, etc. Even outside, breathing the cold, dry air can dry out the airways, triggering asthma symptoms.
Hot Weather
Besides winter, asthma can also be triggered by hot weather. During summer, the heat and humidity can cause your airways to tighten and narrow, resulting in breathing problems, wheezing and other symptoms that can increase the likelihood of asthma. Humid air can also trap lung irritants, such as pollen, and encourage mould and dust mites to thrive, diminishing the air quality and triggering seasonal asthma symptoms.
Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew are both types of fungi that thrive in hot and damp weather. They release tiny spores into the air, which, when inhaled by individuals sensitive to them, can trigger an allergic reaction and asthma flare-ups. Thus, the cause of asthma in the rainy season and summer is often mould and mildew.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that are commonly found in the soft surfaces of your home, including carpets, soft furniture, pillows and mattresses. While they do not bite, their faeces and body fragments contain proteins that cause allergic reactions by inflaming the airways. For people with asthma, it can trigger asthma attacks.
How To Diagnosis Seasonal Asthma
The diagnosis of asthma caused by seasonal variation is quite difficult. It usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and some tests. The doctor will ask whether the individual has chest tightness, long-lasting colds, wheezing, allergies, asthma, or a family history of asthma, allergies, or trouble breathing. They will also conduct some tests to diagnose asthma, including:
- Exhaled nitric oxide test
- Blood test
- Spirometry
- Bronchial trigger test
- Allergen test
What Are The Treatment Options for Seasonal Asthma
Seasonal asthma is a long-term condition that does not have a cure. However, its symptoms can be managed with the help of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
Besides medications, some home remedies can also help. While home remedies are not a replacement for medication, they can definitely help alleviate symptoms and support the ongoing seasonal asthma treatment.
Here are some home remedies for seasonal asthma:
- Eliminate triggers: While the asthma triggers can vary person to person, you can still use items like humidifiers, allergen-friendly bedding, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or purifiers, and HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners to eliminate common allergens.
- Use supplements: Taking some vitamins and nutritional supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, and lycopene can protect the airway from oxidative damage.
- Stress reduction: Stress and other emotions can change a person's breathing patterns, triggering asthma symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle changes can also help manage the seasonal asthma symptoms, including:
- Maintaining a moderate weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Engaging in physical activity and breathing exercises regularly
How to Manage Seasonal Asthma
To manage asthma in the winter season, you must:
- Dress warmly to maintain body heat in cold weather.
- When outside, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to help warm the air you inhale
- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, as the nose naturally warms and moistens the air you inhale.
To manage asthma during hot weather, you must:
- Keep your inhalers away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, such as in parked cars or open outdoor spaces.
- Stay well-hydrated to keep mucus thin and help regulate your body temperature.
- Avoid doing exercise outdoors during peak midday heat; instead, plan it early morning when air quality and temperature are better.
- Keep doors and windows closed when you are indoors.
To manage seasonal asthma during pollen season, you must:
- Avoid the outdoors when pollen is at its highest
- Shower and wash your clothes after coming home from outside
- Use air conditioning instead of open windows
- Try drying your clothes and sheets inside
- Exercise indoors whenever possible
When to See a Doctor
If the symptoms of asthma persist, it is best to immediately seek medical help. Some symptoms that warrant urgent medical care are:
- Extreme shortness of breath
- A blue tint on the lips or fingers
- Chest pain
- Inability to speak clearly
- Taking medications that are unable to control symptoms
In conclusion, seasonal asthma can make certain times of the year challenging, but with the right precautions and treatment, it can be managed. Understanding the meaning of seasonal asthma and recognising what triggers it can help you stay prepared and breathe freely, no matter the season.
To reach our help desk call 9213188888.png)
Comments