Seasonal Asthma: 6 Tips To Manage It Better This Fall

October 27, 2015

Asthma can be a difficult condition to manage as the weather changes from warm to cool. While dust, dander, mites can trigger an asthma attack at home, the cold weather outside may make it difficult for you to breathe.

The majority of people who suffer from asthma will also notice some or the other types of respiratory viral infection when the weather changes. To put it simply, seasonal asthma is a kind of an allergic reaction, which is why it is important that people living with asthma should identify their triggers in order to manage their condition better. The high risk factors that contribute to asthma include foods and other allergy causing triggers such as dander, mites, insects and pollen.

Here are a few tips that can help manage your asthma better in this changing season.

1. Be Aware Of Your Triggers: Each time you get an attack (or feel breathless) make a note of it to figure out what could have caused the reaction. Share this information with your doctor when you visit him next to find out if you are allergic to something which could be the worsening your condition.

2. Spend Less Time With Pets: The dander from pets can also trigger an asthma attack. As you end up spending more time indoors with your pets while the weather shifts from warm to cool, chances are your asthma will worsen. Maintain a safe distance from pets and keep them away from your face and nose. Avoid petting and hugging them too often.

3. Keep The Surroundings Dry And Cool: Keeping your house dry and cool will remove traces of dust mites that are a powerful trigger for asthma. You can also opt for mite-free covers that will minimize the presence of dust mites on your sheets, covers, cushions, and bedcovers.

4.Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands as and when you come back from somewhere, before or after meals or even after shaking hands. It may sound a little too much, but doing so will help remove any potential allergens (or viruses), which you may have picked up from someone or from a surface. If you touch your face, eyes or mouth with these hands, it can spread the infection and worsen your asthma.

5. Puff In Advance: The cool air can cause your asthma to worsen, so make sure you take one or two puffs from your inhaler before you venture out. It will help adjust to the sudden change in temperature.

6. Limit Outdoor Exercising: If you enjoy walking or running outside, continuing the same might not be a good idea in the fall. Look for options that you can try out indoors, such as squatting, spot exercises and more. If at all you really want to be outdoors when you exercise, choose a timing when the weather is comparatively warmer and not uncomfortable for you.

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References:
1. Asthma exacerbations – 1: epidemiology. Johnston, N W, and M R Sears. “Asthma Exacerbations · 1: Epidemiology.” Thorax 61.8 (2006): 722–728. PMC. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. (Accessed 21 Oct 2015)