Summer Triggers come with the heat and humidity of summer. And triggers cause asthma attacks. Of course, heat and humidity are not the only triggers of the season, as this FLASS blog article will explain. And Now that we have passed the Memorial Day Holiday, summer is in full swing. May might be the month that brings the first wave of warm weather asthma triggers. However, summer comes with a plethora of asthma triggers all its own.
Triggers, Defined and Refined
Take Your Asthma Inhaler With You Always. Be Prepared For Fun.
Just in case the meaning of “trigger” in the language of asthma is not something you remember, let’s review: According to the experts, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, “People with asthma have inflamed airways which are sensitive to things which may not bother other people. These things are “triggers.” For additional information on “triggers”, check our previous blogs on this topic.
Triggers like trees, grass, and weed pollens, mold, animal dander, and cockroach droppings are very common. But then, another important fact about triggers is that the same ones do not cause asthma in everyone. It’s important to identify which ones are yours specifically. Then, according to Web MD, “the only trick is to avoid them as much as possible.”
Summer Asthma Triggers Versus Summer Fun
Although symptoms may not always be severe, summertime allergies and asthma are serious and, in some cases, deadly,” says allergist James Sublett, MD. Dr. James Sublett is chair of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Public Relations Committee. “However, these conditions shouldn’t damper summer fun. Proper diagnosis and treatment involve more than just relieving symptoms. It can find the source of your suffering and stop it.”
Seeing your healthcare specialist, having tests for your allergies, and getting an asthma action plan can help even the most sensitive of us to enjoy summer.
Summer fun brings families barbeques, festivals, and other outdoor activities. During any of these outdoor activities, if you experience allergic reactions to grass pollens, you might be running for cover. However, did you know summer allergies can also affect those without pollen sensitivities? This is due to unexpected, less familiar triggers. Did you know summer fruits and vegetables, campfires, and even changes in the weather can trigger reactions?
“Although symptoms may not always be severe, summertime allergies and asthma are serious. In some cases, they “can be deadly,” says allergist James Sublett, MD.
“However, these conditions shouldn’t damper summer fun. Proper diagnosis and treatment involve more than just relieving symptoms. It can find the source of your suffering and stop it.”
The Villains With Fast Summer Triggers
Asthma Can Strike Anytime, Any Place, Any Age. Know Your Summer Triggers.
As mentioned earlier, seeing your allergist, even the most sensitive noses and lungs can enjoy summer festivities. Learn about the causes of allergy and asthma. And below, you can meet the most Villainous Triggers of Summer. Some of them might shock you.
The Most Obvious Villains: Heat and Humidity
Did you know that hot, humid air could trigger asthma symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath?
People with mild asthma may find that when summer temperatures soar, along with humidity levels, their asthma symptoms begin to act up.”
Caution: Triggers!
“Breathing in such hot environments could lead to coughing and shortness of breath.” This idea is suggested by research “reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.”
In fact, “Researchers found that a room temperature of about 71 degrees Fahrenheit did not trigger asthma symptoms.” In contrast, “breathing in super-hot air at 120 degrees F did.”
Logically, the research scientists concluded that “summer asthma exacerbations could be due, in part, to heat stress.” And they continue, “that affects the physiology of your airways and leads to an asthma reaction.”
Changes in the Weather
Shifting Weather Patterns are never safe for asthmatics. Stifling humidity or a sudden, refreshingly cool breeze, can trigger an asthma attack. Lovely breezes bring you pollen and mold, igniting reactions to grass or tree pollen and mold allergies.
Remember, your FLASS healthcare specialist. He can help you develop an allergy and asthma action plan. This should ensure your symptoms are kept in check no matter the season or the temperature.
1. Summer Fruits and Veggies
An otherwise healthy snack can mean an oral allergy syndrome. This is true for people whose lips begin to tingle after sinking their teeth into a juicy peach. The same is true for a melon, apple, celery, or other fresh fruits and vegetables.
People with common grass allergies can also have this condition. This is a cross-reaction between similar proteins in certain fruits and vegetables and the allergy-causing grass, tree, or weed pollens.
The simple solution is to avoid the offending food or just put up with the annoying but short-lived (and seldom dangerous) reaction. If symptoms are bothersome, see your FLASS healthcare specialist. He can help to identify the offending pollen and develop a treatment plan to find relief.
2. Campfire Smoke
Toasting marshmallows or sitting out at a bonfire is a lot less fun if it results in an asthma attack. Smoke is a common asthma trigger. Sit upwind of the smoke and avoid getting too close. This will help prevent an asthma flare-up.
3. Stinging Insects
As if the pain isn’t bad enough, it is possible to develop a life-threatening allergic reaction to the sting of yellow jackets, honeybees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. Cover up when gardening or working outdoors. Avoid brightly colored clothing, forget the perfume, and take caution when eating or drinking anything sweet.
All of these attract stinging insects. Be especially careful with open soft drink cans. Your doctor might advise carrying epinephrine for emergency relief in the event of being stung. See an allergist for skin testing to identify the offending insect and ask about allergy shots, which can provide life-saving protection.
4. Chlorine
Although not an allergen, the smell of chlorine from pools or hot tubs can be an irritant. Thus, they can cause flares of either allergy-like eye and nose symptoms or asthma in some people.
Are You Making Your Allergies Worse?
You Can Enjoy Your Summers When You Have Your Triggers Under Control
Air filters, summer breezes, procrastination, and self-medication: Each can delay relief from a stuffy nose, sneezing, sniffling, or other allergy symptoms. Be on the lookout for the following allergy-aggravating culprits.
Using the wrong air filter
Using an air filter to keep your home pollen-free is a good idea, but be sure it’s the right kind. Whole-house filtration systems do work but change the filters regularly. Otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good.
Opening your windows
When your windows are open, the pollen can drift inside. Then, it settles into your carpet, furniture, or car upholstery, and continue to torture you. So keep your house and car windows shut during allergy season.
Procrastinating
You may think you can put off or even do without medication. But, the next thing you know, you’re stuffed up, sneezing, and downright miserable. Instead, get the jump on allergies by taking your medication before the season gets underway.
Self-medicating
Perhaps you’re not sure exactly what’s making you feel awful. So, you switch from one medication to the next hoping for relief. Your best bet is to see an allergist, who can determine just what’s triggering your symptoms and suggest treatment. You might even benefit from allergy shots, which can stop your symptoms altogether.
Thanks for reading our blog and remember:
If allergies and asthma have you panicked, call FLASS for an appointment today. Don’t procrastinate. Get the jump on summer fun!
