Why Is Eczema Worse in Cold Weather?
If you have eczema, you probably realize the problem gets worse during the cold winter months. Read on to find out why — and what you can do about it!
Is Asthma Worse During the Summer Months?
If you had to guess, would you say asthma is worse during the summer or winter?
Most people would probably pick winter because the cold, dry air can make it difficult to breathe. This means they think asthma is better during the summer months, which is true … unless it’s not.
The real answer is that some asthma sufferers have fewer symptoms and flare-ups during the summer, while others experience more symptoms than normal, leading to full-on asthma attacks.
Here, Dr. Sherwin Hariri and our team at Beverly Hills Allergy in Beverly Hills and Glendale, California, explain why your asthma can get worse during the summer.
Summer asthma triggers
Summer can bring with it a wave of triggers for your asthma that you didn’t have to deal with during the winter. Here are a few common summertime conditions that can cause asthma flare-ups:
Heat and humidity
Breathing in hot air can cause your airways to tighten and narrow, making breathing more difficult. And while some moisture is good for asthma sufferers, the humidity of summer air can produce too much moisture, making the air heavy and hard to breathe.
Ozone and air pollution
When the temperature is hot and the air is stagnant, the levels of ozone and pollution in the atmosphere can rise to dangerous levels that may irritate your respiratory system, reduce your lung function, and make your asthma symptoms worse.
Allergens and irritants
If you’re allergic to pollen, mold spores, ragweed, and more, these are all present at various times throughout the summer. Inhaling these small particles when you’re outside can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up.
Physical exercise
Because the weather is warmer, most people are outside more and are more physically active, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Breathing heavily during exercise can cause you to breathe in more allergens and irritants as well.
How to manage summer asthma
Staying inside on hot and humid days with the windows closed and a good filter on your air conditioner can help you reduce asthma flare-ups. Check the allergy and asthma forecast, shower frequently to wash off any pollen on your skin, and stay hydrated as well.
You should also stick to your regular asthma medication schedule as directed by your doctor, even if you’re tempted to skip it during some summer days. Following these guidelines will give you the best chance of keeping your asthma under control during the summer.
If you need help managing your asthma this summer, our team at Beverly Hills Allergy would be happy to assess and treat you. Set up an appointment at our office nearest you by phone or book online today. We'll help make this your best summer yet!
You Might Also Enjoy...
Can Children Grow Out of Asthma?
Your child has asthma, and it can be scary at times. Your greatest hope is that they’ll outgrow it as other kids seem to do. But can that really happen? Read on to find out!
Tips to Prepare for Skin Patch Testing
If your doctor thinks you may have a skin allergy to a substance in your environment, you may have to undergo skin patch testing. Read on to find out how to prepare.
3 Precautions to Take to Prevent an Asthma Attack
If you have asthma, you know controlling the disease can be difficult. Here are three precautions you can take to prevent asthma attacks from occurring.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Effective Allergy Treatment Without Injections
Looking for an effective long-term allergy treatment but don’t like the idea of getting regular shots? Find out if sublingual immunotherapy is right for you!
How to Target Stubborn Fat Areas Without Surgery
Have stubborn fat areas you just can’t get rid of? What if you could destroy your fat cells and build muscle at the same time? Read on to find out how you can sculpt your dream body in a few short treatments!