This is the season when asthma triggers can try to stop your flow.
Flowers are blooming. Trees are budding. It’s finally springtime; well, it is in the parts of the country that still respect and adhere to the seasonal calendar.
For many, spring is an exciting time of the year as it brings warmer weather and prepares us for summer. But for those suffering from asthma, spring, its pollen and other allergens can be dangerous.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 3 million African Americans were living with asthma in 2012. In fact, Blacks are 20 percent more likely to have asthma than any other race.
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Asthma isn’t something to play with. An asthma attack can be fatal.
Here are a few things to be aware of that can trigger a springtime asthma attack:
Asthma Triggers: Trees and grass
Trees and grass produce pollen as they begin to bloom in April.
This may result in high pollen counts in the air, which can seriously affect your asthma.
Weeds and ragweed are other plants that may trigger your asthma symptoms and make you miserable.
READ: Is Vitamin E Bad For Asthma?
Campfires
Campfires are fun, and a good way to eat a tasty S’more.
But, the smoke may not sit so well for someone with asthma. Smoke is another
trigger for asthma flare-ups.
If you are going to be near a campfire, be sure to sit upwind of the smoke. Also, don’t sit too close to the fire.
Asthma Triggers Beyond Your Control: Thunderstorms
With spring comes more rain and thunderstorms across the country.
Experts say rainwater is the reason why allergens like pollen grains spread like wildfire.
During these storms, there are usually high winds. This helps spread the pollen at a quicker rate. So you may struggle with breathing or experience other asthma symptoms more during a thunderstorm. Stay indoors if you can.
READ: The Asthma Trigger Most Adults Can't Escape
Insects
Not only do some insects carry pollen, which is a natural trigger for asthma symptoms.
But, some stinging insects may be fatal for those suffering from asthma. Be aware of any yellow jackets, honeybees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants if you’re spending long amounts of time outdoors. Avoid using perfume, as some insects are attracted to the sweet smell.
Asthma Triggers to Be Aware Of: Swimming
For some people with asthma, chlorine can be an irritant, triggering a reaction. Talk with your physician if you are experiencing allergic symptoms like eye and nose irritation.
Although Spring is such a beautiful time of year, it can be really challenging for people who have allergies and asthma. However, knowing your triggers and how to avoid them will help. For anyone with asthma, there are phone apps that can help you keep track of pollen in the air and other triggers that can make you feel miserable:
Propeller
This FDA-approved app allows you to get a better understanding of your asthma via a small sensor that is clipped to your inhaler and sends information to the app. The app also automatically records data such as when and where your inhaler is used and provides reminders and daily forecasts of humidity, temperature and air quality.
AsthmaMD
AsthmaMD allows patients to log their asthma activity, medications, and triggers in a diary. The data is then presented in a color graph that you can share with their clinician. You can help influence research studies in asthma attacks by sending encrypted and anonymous data such as severity, time, date, and location – to a database managed by Google.
DailyBreath
DailyBreath will provide you with a daily risk index that is based on weather and environmental exposure data. This app can be really helpful for asthma suffers because it recommends preventive actions, tracks flare-ups, and features a crowdsourced map of user symptoms.
