Managing Spring Allergies & Asthma Triggers
If you happen to be one of the estimated 24 million Americans who have asthma, you are probably dreading having to deal with spring allergies, leading to asthma attacks.
The same spring allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction may also cause asthma symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This is known as allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma.
Allergy and Asthma Triggers
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America lists the following allergens as being the most common triggers for allergies and asthma:
- Pollen (tree, weeds, flower, and grass pollens)
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Cockroach droppings
Additionally, irritants in the air generated from typical spring activities can also cause allergy and asthma flareups. Some of these irritants include:
- Wood fires (bonfires)
- Charcoal grills
- Fumes from cleaning products
Tips for Asthmatics to Manage Spring Allergies
If you are an asthmatic who suffers from spring allergies and feel these are aggravating your asthma symptoms, it is vital to take a proactive approach in managing your allergies to decrease inflammation in your airways.
These are some of the steps you can take to get your spring allergies under control.
Keep Up with Your Asthma Medications
Managing your chronic illness year-round will help reduce the frequency and severity of symptom flareups.
If you are receiving biologic therapy as part of your disease management plan, make sure to keep your appointments. If you need to reschedule them, do so in the shortest amount of time possible.
Remember to speak to your physician about any new or severe allergy-related symptoms you experience.
Get Tested for Allergies
If you suspect that spring allergies are the reason behind your asthma attacks, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with an allergist. An allergist will recommend a series of tests to determine the cause of your allergies and tailor treatments for your specific needs.
Ask Your Doctor About Allergy Medications
Before you buy any over-the-counter antihistamines, it’s important you speak to your doctor. They can recommend the best medication to get your spring allergies under control.
Some medications may interact with your asthma medications, so it’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any new medicines.
Avoid Being Outside During High Pollen Hours
Pollen levels in the air can vary throughout the day. Typically, mornings tend to have the highest pollen counts, with peak hours between 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
When possible, try to stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment to limit your exposure to pollen particles. If you are traveling in your car, make sure to recycle the air in your vehicle.
The Weather Channel provides a helpful allergy tracker tool that can help you monitor the pollen count in your area.
Shower at Night
Pollen and other triggers can latch onto your skin, hair, and clothes during your daily activities. Simple routines like showering at night can drastically reduce the number of allergens on your body and prevent these from transferring to your furniture, especially your bed, where they can trigger allergic reactions while you sleep.
Ensure you prepare for the spring allergy season by ensuring you have your prescriptions filled on time and maintaining your asthma biologic therapy sessions.
