How to Keep Asthma Symptoms Away in the Spring
By Brandi Swieter
The spring season is when many people start to see symptoms of their asthma exacerbated. They may have stayed inside for the last few cold months, meaning they haven’t exposed themselves regularly to all the polluted air. Once they head outside and spring is literally in the air, it does a number on their breathing. Anyone with these problems can keep symptoms at bay with just a few helpful tips.
Track the Pollen Count With an App
The pollen count tends to be the highest in the morning hours, between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Avoid staying outside for long during these hours, if possible. On a day when it’s necessary to head outdoors in the morning, use a special app that tracks the pollen count to see when the best time frame might be. Not every day will have a high pollen count, even during these hours. The Allergy Alert App from Pollen.com is a helpful solution.
Skip the Outdoor Clothesline
Many people choose to hang their clothes on a line outside to let them air dry. Individuals with allergies or asthma should avoid this practice; pollen will get on the clothes and therefore on the people wearing them. It’s best to stick with washing in the machine, at least on high pollen days.
Change Clothes After Time Outside
Pollen sticks to clothes while you’re wearing them. Don’t cause problems by wearing that same outfit you just wore outside while also working around the house. As soon as people come back indoors, they should change their clothes and put the dirty ones straight in the wash to avoid spreading the particles. It may even be wise to shower immediately to get rid of any harmful toxins on the skin.
Use an Inhaler Before Outdoor Exercise
Exercise of any kind may exacerbate asthma symptoms, but working out in an outdoor environment is sure to cause even more problems. Take an antihistamine and two puffs from your inhaler before doing any outdoor exercise to prevent a possible attack. Always be sure to ask a doctor about the best way to exercise when you have heightened symptoms.
Asthma often comes with allergies, and both can be heightened thanks to the spring weather. The pollen in the air, along with dust particles and debris, make it difficult to breathe, causes itchy eyes, and tends to make the nose run. By following a few helpful tips, anyone suffering can lessen their springtime struggle.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wyckoff, N.J.