Summer can be a difficult time for people with asthma. Sweltering summer heat can be harmful to people with asthma as hot air can tighten airways and make them narrow which could lead to difficulty breathing. During summer, the stagnant air can trap pollutants and dust which can lead to exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
Due to the same reason, air pollution levels could also be high during the summer season which can make things tough for asthma patients. It is important to stay indoors if you have asthma and step out only if the quality of the air is safe. In case, you are stepping out for some work, you should take a bath to wash any pollen off the skin or hair.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.
Summer Triggers For People With Asthma
Here is a list of summer triggers that must be avoided by an asthmatic,
1. High humidity: Air that is heavy, stagnant, and full of moisture can make breathing a challenge for asthma patients. They may feel their chest tighten and breathing become shallow.
2. Air pollution: Inhaling air pollutants can be dangerous for all people. Especially for asthmatic patients, exposure to pollutants can rapidly cause damage to lung function and trigger asthma attacks.
3. Pollen: Summer can expose one to different pollen and allergies. These can trigger symptoms of asthma and one may develop hay fever which can make the symptoms even worse to manage.
4. Insect bites and stings: Insect bites can cause allergic reactions that can trigger asthma symptoms.
5. Exercise-induced asthma: With the help of medications and the right precautions, exercising can be very beneficial for asthma patients. But the chances of undergoing an exercised-induced asthma attack increase in the summer season due to the weather.
Asthma management can be difficult, especially in the summer, when the likelihood of having an attack increases. In this situation, the patient can seek the assistance of a medical professional to develop a customized action plan that takes into account the patient’s particular condition as well as the general risk factors.
Aside from that, people should take general precautions for additional protection, such as wearing a mask outdoors, staying hydrated at all times, and taking their medication with them at all times.