Can Weather Affect a Person's Asthma?
Yes. Weather conditions can bring on asthma symptoms. Some people's asthma symptoms
get worse at certain times of the year. For others, a severe storm or sudden weather
change can trigger a flare-up.
- Cold, dry air is a common asthma trigger
and can cause bad flare-ups. That's especially true for people who play winter sports
and have exercise-induced asthma.
- Hot, humid air also can be a problem. In some places, heat and
sunlight combine with pollutants to create ground-level ozone. This kind of ozone
can be a strong asthma trigger.
- Wet weather and windy weather can cause problems, too. Wet weather
encourages the growth of mold, and wind can blow mold and pollen through the
air.
If you think weather may be triggering your asthma, work with your doctor to track
your symptoms using an asthma symptoms trigger diary.
Do you think that your asthma might be triggered by pollen, mold, or other allergens?
Ask your doctor about allergy
testing.
Weather-Management Tips to Try
If air quality or weather affect you, try these tips to make things better:
- Watch the weather forecast: Many forecasts give information on pollen counts and
other conditions that might affect your asthma.
- Limit your outdoor activity on days when your triggers are strongest.
- Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose when you're outside during very cold weather.
- Close windows to keep pollens and molds out. This can be important at night while
you sleep. If it's hot, turn on the air conditioning. Not only is air conditioning
cooling, it also dries and even filters the air you breathe.
- Stay indoors early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) when pollen levels are at their
highest.
- Avoid mowing the lawn and raking leaves.
- Keep your quick-relief medicine
with you at all times.
