Springing Forward: How to Manage Your Asthma with the Changing Seasons

Living with asthma can sometimes be a challenge. When you hit your stride with symptoms under control, conditions change. For some patients, springtime can make asthma much more intrusive on daily life. 

Pulmonologist Dr. Andrew Freedman and the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC, team serve the Monroe, New Jersey area as asthma specialists for your needs. You can breathe easily this spring; learn about the best practices for managing your asthma during the seasonal change from winter to spring.

Spring means pollen

Any airborne particles can potentially trigger asthma. Spring can be the most challenging season for asthmatics, with the vast amount of pollen in the air. 

The load can be so heavy that you can suffer from irritated airways even if you don’t have hay fever allergies. Yet, allergy-induced asthma is the most common type of the condition. Of the 25 million people across the country with asthma, close to two-thirds of them have allergies. 

Spring allergy season is coming, and now is the time to prepare. Here’s what you need to know. 

How to manage your asthma with the changing seasons

Knowing your triggers is perhaps the biggest part of a successful asthma management plan, and in the spring, pollen dominates, with mold sometimes adding to the burden. Let’s look at how you can minimize the effects of these springtime irritants. 

Minimize your exposure

First, be aware of your enemy. Watch your local forecasts to monitor high pollen levels and, if you don’t need to be outside, remain indoors. 

Inside, rely on your heating and air conditioning; don’t open windows or doors for ventilation or temperature control. Be sure to change furnace filters and keep window air conditioner filters clean. 

Vacuum frequently, particularly carpet and fabric surfaces, with a HEPA-rated device. Add air purifiers to bedrooms or other places where you spend time indoors. 

If you go outdoors, consider using an N95 mask over your nose and mouth. Sunglasses can also reduce the pollen that reaches your eyes. 

When you’ve been outside, change your clothes when you get back inside. When you return indoors, take a quick shower to remove pollen from your skin and hair. Saline nose rinses and sprays can flush inhaled pollen. 

Review your medications

Work with our team to review your controller and reliever medications, to make sure you’re getting the results you need. Discuss with us which antihistamines and nasal sprays you can use safely, along with your other medications to reduce allergy symptoms. 

Contact Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC, when you’re planning your spring asthma management strategy. We take in-person and telehealth appointments by phone and online. Book your spot today.