Warm weather brings higher pollen counts and a greater risk of allergic asthma symptoms. During these high-pollen months in Atlanta, patients often have to deal with chest tightness, wheezing, persistent coughing and shortness of breath. Allergic asthma occurs when allergens such as tree, grass or weed pollen inflame the airways. If your symptoms return every year, a few important steps can make pollen season easier to manage.
7 Tips for Managing Allergic Asthma During Pollen Season
Daily habits and medical treatment work together to help manage allergic asthma symptoms. The following tips can provide relief when pollen counts start to rise.
1. Check the Daily Pollen Count
Staying aware of pollen counts means you can rearrange plans when levels are high to spend less time outdoors. You can check pollen forecast estimates using weather apps and allergy tracking websites. To get the most from these forecasts you could speak with an allergist about allergy testing, as tree, grass and weed pollens peak at different times of the year.
2. Keep Pollen Out of Indoor Air
Open windows and doors let outdoor pollen in to settle on beds, furniture and carpets, where it can trigger symptoms hours later. Keep windows closed and run the air conditioner at home and in the car during high-pollen months. Using a HEPA air purifier can help catch the pollen your pet brings in after rolling around in the park. And if coughing, wheezing or chest tightness does not improve, visit an allergy doctor for asthma symptoms.
3. Avoid Mowing and Outdoor Exercise on Windy Days
Wind carries pollen over long distances and lifts settled particles back into the air. Mowing the lawn can stir up grass pollen and other particles, making symptoms worse for the person operating the lawnmower. When the wind is strong, postpone the lawn session or possibly ask someone else to mow. If you like to exercise outdoors, try switching to the gym or working out indoors for a brief period.
4. Reduce Pollen Transfer After Being Outside
Long periods spent outside can result in pollen collecting on your skin and clothes, in your hair and of course, on your shoes. To avoid spreading this pollen throughout the home, leave shoes by the door and change clothes immediately. You could also shower and wash your hair before bed to avoid transferring pollen to pillows and bedding.
5. Stay Consistent With Asthma and Allergy Medications
An asthma and allergy specialist may prescribe medication to control both conditions. Controller inhalers limit airway inflammation, while rescue inhalers relax muscles when symptoms are particularly bad. To reduce the impact of a pollen allergy, allergists may recommend several treatments ranging from antihistamines to allergy shots.
6. Follow Your Asthma Action Plan
An asthma specialist will work with you to create an asthma action plan. This plan will cover daily management guidance and emergency responses. You may need to follow a preventive allergy and asthma treatment plan before high-pollen months arrive, and keep a rescue inhaler close by for potentially severe asthma symptoms.
7. Watch for Signs of Poor Asthma Control
When pollen counts are high you may find it difficult to exercise, and rely on a rescue inhaler more often than usual. You might also have trouble sleeping, or wake at night with asthma symptoms. These could be signs that your asthma is not well-controlled and perhaps requires a different treatment approach. An asthma specialist can review your inhaler technique, test lung function, and discuss alternative allergy and asthma treatment options to manage the conditions more effectively.
Visit Our Atlanta Centers for Help Managing Allergic Asthma
For help diagnosing and managing allergic asthma, visit one of our treatment centers in the Atlanta area. Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides asthma testing and treatment for adults and children. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
