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How to Manage Your Asthma This Spring
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes trouble breathing during a flare-up. Its causes include genetics, environmental factors, and allergies. With spring quickly approaching, pollen counts are about to rise, causing asthma flare-ups everywhere.
Preparing for spring is essential when living with asthma to manage symptoms and prevent dangerous flares. If you're unsure where to start, the Calvary Urgent Care team provides primary care appointments, virtual visits, and IV infusion therapy for asthma.
Dr. Joseph Goin is an experienced primary and urgent care specialist who offers tips on controlling asthma and proven treatments during a flare-up.
How allergies lead to asthma
Allergic asthma is a disease that occurs when the airways constrict after allergen exposure. Allergies occur when the body forms a defense against foreign invaders it perceives as a threat.
The immune system releases chemicals that initiate inflammation to defend itself, causing the airways to swell and tighten. Allergic asthma has many triggers, which include the following:
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Food preservatives
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Scented products
- Smoke
- Air pollution
- Cold air
- Dry weather
Spring is prime time for allergic asthma to strike because of the flowers and trees blooming. The pollen counts increase in the spring, causing distress for people with severe allergies.
Managing asthma this spring
Living with asthma is challenging, especially during season changes. However, you can prepare your body for the upcoming weather and pollen changes to avoid asthma attacks with the following tips:
Check pollen levels
Before venturing outside to enjoy the spring air, check the pollen levels and air quality. If you have allergic asthma, dry or cold air mixed with high pollen counts is a disaster for your lungs and airways.
Stay inside during peak pollination
Even with a mask or medications, it's usually best to stay indoors when pollen counts are high, especially when neighbors mow their grass in late spring, which helps avoid triggering an asthma attack.
Clean the house regularly
Pollen accumulates in the house from air vents and your clothing. It's crucial to clean the house regularly during spring and summer when allergens are high.
Use an air filtration system
Inside the home, it's crucial to have a clean and working air filtration system with a HEPA filter. These filters keep allergens from entering the house, preventing asthma attacks even when inside.
Take allergy medications
If you know what you're allergic to, you should take allergy medicines daily to reduce the body's allergic response. These medications could prevent a dangerous asthma attack.
Keep windows closed
During the warmer months, keeping the windows closed is critical to prevent allergens from entering your home and prevent asthma flares.
Proven asthma treatments
Living with asthma means you always have to be ready for the worst – an asthma attack. During spring, it's essential to follow medication protocols and always have emergency treatments in case of an attack.
Even the most vigilant people still have terrifying asthma attacks. The good news is many proven asthma medications and treatments help control asthma, and they include the following:
- Leukotriene modifiers
- Antihistamines
- Allergy shots
- Corticosteroids
- Biologics
- Combination inhaler
- Rescue inhaler
Our urgent care is open to those with mild to moderate asthma symptoms. If you're having a severe attack, it's best to go to the nearest emergency room for treatment and necessary monitoring.
Call Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas, today to schedule an asthma appointment or visit our urgent care. You may also request a consultation on our website.