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Look Out for These Summer Triggers This 'World Asthma Day'

Look Out for These Summer Triggers This 'World Asthma Day'

by Dr. Hena Mariam on May 2 2023 5:49 PM
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Highlights:
  • Asthma affects millions of children and adults every year
  • When someone has asthma, an asthma attack can occur when they are exposed to asthma triggers
  • While triggers can be different for everyone, common summertime triggers include humid weather, pollen, insect bites, intense exercise, and pollution
'World Asthma Day' is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday of May. Since this is peak summertime, the pricking heat can be dangerous for those who have asthma because it can constrict and restrict airways, which can make breathing challenging. Asthma symptoms may worsen during the summer because of the heavy air, which can trap chemicals and dirt.
High levels of population can also pose a challenge for those suffering from asthma. Some triggers to keep in mind this summer season for asthmatics are:

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Humid Weather: A Sweaty Trigger

Due to the thick, heavy, and damp air, asthmatic sufferers may have difficulty breathing. They may experience shortness of breath and chest constriction.

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Pollen from Flowers May Not be Pretty for Asthmatics

Pretty flowers bloom and reproduce during the summer. It can be a time when one may be exposed to various pollen and allergic reactions. The signs of asthma may be brought on by them, and allergic reactions can arise as a result, making the symptoms even more difficult to control.

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Might not be a Good Idea to Sweat it out in the Gym for Asthmatics

For those with asthma, physical activity can be highly beneficial if they take appropriate precautions and medicine.

However, intense exercise in the summer months can cause an exercise-induced asthma attack because of the humid weather.

Pollution is not Asthma’s Friend

There are several studies that link pollution with increased cases of asthma. The contaminants in the air can impair lung functions and set up attacks on those who are already suffering from asthma. Even charcoal from barbecues can trigger asthma, so make sure you carry your inhaler when you visit your friends for a summer barbecue.

Smoking is Bad For your Asthma, Even if you are Not Smoking

Tobacco smoke is detrimental for everyone, especially people with asthma. If you have asthma and you smoke, quit smoking.

‘Secondhand smoke’ is smoke created by a smoker and breathed in by a second person. Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Make your home a smoke-free zone. Encourage household members who smoke to quit. If you have asthma, people should never smoke near you, in your home, in your car, or wherever you may spend a lot of time.

Stay Away From Insects

Symptoms of asthma can be caused by allergies that are triggered by insect bites.

Reference:
  1. Common Asthma Triggers - (https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/triggers.html)


Source-Medindia


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