What You Need to Know About Spring Allergies and Asthma

Spring is the beginning of the allergy season, meaning allergies are likely to flare up. Symptoms (like sneezing, itching, swelling, runny nose, and watery eyes) occur when a foreign material reaches the body and is perceived as a hazard by your immune system. Your body responds by releasing histamines, generating mucus, and sending extra fluids to the infected area in “defense mode.”May was declared as the “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” in 1984 by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). AAFA states that about 30% of adults and 40% of children suffer from allergies. CDC says that asthma affects 5% to 10% of the American population.Here is exactly what you need to know about spring allergies and asthma.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that mainly affects the lungs and trachea. When asthma symptoms worsen, your respiratory system can swell up, causing wheezing or shortness of breath.Also read: What You Need to Know About Asthma

Are There Any Tips to Reduce Asthma Symptoms in the Spring?

• Check Your Air Quality: Poor air quality can be particularly problematic for those with asthma. Be sure to check your local air quality and pollution forecasts regularly.
• Minimize Lawn and Gardening Activities: Check the local pollen count and wear a mask before working outside. Typically, early mornings or late evenings are when the pollen count is at its lowest, so those are the best times to complete your yard work.
• Avoid Certain Bug Repellents: Aerosol sprays can be asthma triggers, so try using bug repellents that come in non-aerosol pumps.
• Take Your Medications Exactly as Prescribed: Even if you feel like your asthma is under control, make sure to take your preventive or controller drugs as prescribed. If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medication handy in case you have a flare-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Allergies and Asthma

Why do spring allergies cause asthma?

Since more pollen is in the air because of plants blooming during the spring, allergies are triggered more often. And with allergies seeing a spike, asthma symptoms are more likely to appear.

Do inhalers help people with allergies?

Doctors can prescribe fast-acting relief inhalers to treat asthma symptoms for people who have sporadic asthma flare-ups. These are anti-inflammatory medicines that block the allergic response and treat asthma.

How long can an allergic asthma attack last?

The length of an allergic asthma attack depends on the cause of the flare-up. It also depends on how inflamed the airways are. Mild allergic asthma episodes generally last for a few minutes, while the severe ones can go on for hours or even days.

Do allergies impact your lungs?

Environmental allergies can impact your lungs. For example, hay fever affects your nose and sinuses causing sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, while asthma can affect your lungs, causing coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, rapid breathing, etc.

Do allergies cause chest heaviness?

Yes, it can. Chest tightening and chest heaviness are an indication of the onset of an asthma attack.

How can I prevent an allergic reaction?

The best ways to prevent reactions are taking your medicines in the prescribed amounts and on time, avoiding allergens as much as you can, and watching out for polluted air quality in your locality.At MI Express Urgent Care and MI Express Primary Care Center, we are here to assist you with any issues related to asthma and allergy.