Fall is a season most people look forward to. The nice weather, football season, and pumpkin spice-flavored everything are all reasons that fall is a great season. But if you suffer from asthma, this may not be your favorite time of the year. Fall can cause many asthma flare-ups and make symptoms much worse. We are going to share with you a few common triggers of asthma during the fall and how you can manage the symptoms so that you can enjoy this season just as much as everyone else!
Common Asthma Triggers in the Fall
- Drier Air in the Fall
- Since temperatures become cooler in the fall, the air tends to be drier. Dry air is a respiratory irritant and causes asthma symptoms to get worse.
- Campfires
- Fall months bring the perfect weather for camping and having campfires outside. Campfires can irritate the respiratory system and make it difficult to breathe. People will often burn leaves in the fall as well, which contributes to the irritations.
- Cold and Flu Season
- As students return to school after summer break, they are introduced to many viruses and allergens. Many viruses are the cause of cold and flu season, which can increase asthma symptoms and make them severely worse.
Managing Asthma Symptoms in the Fall
- Avoid Allergens and Irritants
- Check the pollen counts daily and try to stay indoors as much as possible when the counts are high. If you do spend time outside, try to make sure to change and wash your clothes as soon as you come back inside. Keeping your windows closed will also help reduce irritation inside your home. If your symptoms are severe, another option is to invest in an air purifier to keep the air inside your home clear of any irritants.
- Get a Flu Shot
- Because cold and flu season can increase asthmatic symptoms, as aforementioned, it is extremely beneficial to get a flu shot during the fall months.
- Test for Allergies
- It may be very beneficial for someone who suffers from asthma, especially in the fall, to visit the doctor and get tested for allergies. Knowing what exactly is causing the symptoms to flare up will give you a better understanding of what to avoid and make the symptoms easier to manage. Your doctor might also decide that asthma control medications are an option for you.
At the end of the day, asthmatic symptoms are a struggle to deal with year-round and the fall season is no exception. Although fall can cause many asthmatic triggers, they are manageable and there are many options available for individuals suffering from asthma. Take control of your life and don’t let asthma ruin your fall months this year by scheduling a respiratory consultation today.