Asthma is a chronic condition affecting over 250 million people worldwide. Most people dealing with this condition need asthma care throughout the year. However, there is a particular season when their asthma worsens: the spring.
Besides the great weather and inviting sunshine, spring brings various asthma triggers. The blooming flowers can make this time of year extremely difficult for asthmatic people. However, there is a way to manage spring asthma. Here is a quick guide to help you navigate an asthma-free springtime.
1. Create a Care Plan
The first step in battling this condition is to create an asthma care plan. You can devise this plan with the help of your physician after getting an official diagnosis from them.
This plan should contain the symptoms you should be aware of, the triggers you should avoid, and the preventative asthma medications you are prescribed. If you don’t meet with your doctor to create this plan, you will likely be playing catch-up the entire spring.
2. Know Your Triggers
Knowing what triggers your asthma can help you avoid them. Some of the most common spring asthma triggers include:
- Dust
- Pollens
- Perfumes
- Air pollution
- Mold spores
- Tobacco smoke
- Animal allergens
- Weather changes
- Laundry detergents
Your doctor can help you identify more triggers when crafting your asthma care plan. After exposure to these triggers, you might experience various asthma symptoms, including:
- Fainting
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heartbeat
- Dizziness and confusion
You should limit exposure to these triggers as much as possible to avoid asthma attacks. Some measures include changing the air filters in your home frequently and clearing your nasal passages.
3. Get Tested for Allergies
Asthma and allergies go hand in hand in springtime and allergies can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. So you should include them in your asthma care plan and get tested for allergies. If you know what you’re allergic to, you can try to avoid those allergens and better control your asthma.
4. Stay Inside During High Pollen Hours
Spring reminds most people of colorful flowers and luscious trees. However, for some people, it’s a painful reminder of the high pollen count. During this season, pollen grains from trees, weeds, and grasses float through the air. When these pollens are inhaled, they can trigger different allergic and asthmatic reactions.
Stay indoors when the pollen count in your area is significantly high to avoid getting an asthma attack. Various pollen-tracking tools are available—you can even get an app for your phone. You can include them in your asthma care plan and identify prime pollen hours to prevent flare-ups.
5. Exercise Indoors
You may be tempted to go for a run or ride a bike in the refreshing springtime weather. However, spring asthma will be waiting right around the corner to ruin your day. Pollen and other triggers in the air are especially harmful when you’re active and exercising.
Try to exercise indoors on high pollen count days. If you want to enjoy exercising in the fresh air, pick days with low pollen levels to stay safe.
6. Use Air Conditioning
It’s best not to open your car or home windows on high pollen days. Asthma care starts with prevention, and one way to prevent flare-ups is to keep pollen away from your environment.
Instead of opening a window, use air conditioning and set it to recirculate. This setting will keep out the irritants from the air outside your home or car. You can also get a HEPA filter for your home. These high-efficiency particulate air filters can remove micro irritants from the air around you and reduce exposure to triggers.
7. Shower and Change Your Clothes
Shower and change your clothes whenever you go out to help avoid spring asthma attacks. Even if you stay home, pollen can still attach to your clothes and cause later flare-ups. It can even stick to your skin and hair.
For proper asthma care, shower and change your clothes frequently to remove the pollen. Your clothes can transfer the irritants to your bed sheets and worsen your condition if you go to bed without showering.
8. Keep Your Inhaler Close By
Even by following these tips, you may still be exposed to a trigger and have an asthma attack. It’s best to stay prepared for it. Keep your inhaler close to you at all times and ensure there is enough medicine in it.
If you don’t know how to properly use your inhaler, ask your doctor when creating your asthma care plan or refresh yourself with the instructions on your inhaler.
9. Take Your Asthma Medication Regularly
Besides being aware of spring asthma triggers, you should follow your asthma medication plan to avoid flare-ups. Even if you avoid all the triggers, accidental exposure can still happen. So take your medications regularly to protect yourself.
If you’re also experiencing spring allergies, use antihistamines and nasal sprays to reduce their effects. However, be sure to consult your doctor before taking multiple medications together. You can then order all your medications online for a lower price.
10. Start Prevention Early
To battle springtime flare-ups, you must create your asthma care plan early and be prepared for seasonal triggers. Taking your medications before pollen counts rise will allow your body to prepare for battle.
So start taking preventative measures early to prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place. By taking this step, you will face spring asthma with a stronger immune system.
Manage Your Asthma With High-quality Medications From Inhouse Pharmacy
Spring doesn’t have to be a scary season. With the right asthma care plan and treatment, you can get your health under control and enjoy the sunny season as you should. Consult your doctor once a year to devise a new plan and know what to do if you have a flare-up.
Stay ahead of spring asthma by taking your medication on time. You can buy authentic asthma medications from the convenience of your own home from Inhouse Pharmacy. We carry the most common asthma medications with expiry dates on the packaging. Contact us to get your meds with free shipping and enjoy an asthma-free spring!
