POLLEN COUNT
A change in weather can be a trigger for asthma sufferers. The heat and humidity in the summer and frigid cold and dry air in the winter can mean suffering if you do not have your asthma under control. Similarly, sudden rainfall and windy days can also trigger asthma symptoms. Allergy doctors advise asthma patients to limit exposure to extreme weather changes to help manage their condition better.
If you, like many others, suffer from asthma, especially during seasonal changes, you may be wondering why this happens. Weather changes are not allergens. However, many things happen during weather changes that can cause asthma flare-ups.
Asthma In Hot and Humid Weather
Heat and humidity usually occur together. Humid air is harder to breathe in, and extreme heat can irritate the airways. Moreover, ground-level air pollution is worse during the warm months, combined with the fact that it is pollination season for many plants. Plus, high humidity allows dust mites and mold to thrive. Together, all of these factors make hot and humid weather the perfect time for asthma flare-ups.
Asthma In Cold and Dry Weather
Cold air is usually dry, which irritates the airways. This is why it is recommended that people with asthma use a humidifier during the winter season. During winter, even people with non-allergy-induced asthma can suffer from viral-induced asthma flare-ups, since the colder months are a time when the flu virus thrives. Furthermore, as temperatures decrease, time spent indoors increases, which means greater exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites, insect shedding, and pet dander.
Asthma During a Thunderstorm and Windy Weather
If the wind is blowing strongly, you may experience asthma symptoms due to the allergens being carried by the wind. If there’s heavy rain, the raindrops can cause pollen grains to burst into smaller pieces, which the wind can easily blow around.
What Can You Do To Manage Asthma Triggered By Seasonal or Weather Changes?
If weather changes are making it difficult to manage your asthma, you need to see a doctor for expert care. Asthma can be successfully managed with an individualized treatment plan. The weather may be unpredictable, but you can be prepared. Your doctor can help identify your specific triggers, when they are most impactful, and how you can safeguard yourself against them.
Allergy Specialists in Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Plainfield, IL
The board-certified allergy doctors at Oak Brook Allergists are highly skilled in treating allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma, which includes cough-variant asthma, eosinophilic asthma, exercise-induced asthma, and occupational asthma. We will find the right treatment for you and design it in such a way that you can live your life without interruption due to asthma symptoms. Our treatments are highly individualized to each patient.
Find out how our allergy specialists in northeastern Illinois can make your life better. Call our allergy clinic today at (630) 574-0460 to make an appointment or use our convenient appointment request form. We have locations in Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Plainfield.
