Spring has finally sprung, and with the beauty of budding flowers comes an unfortunate side effect. Warmer weather means it’s pollen season, which can be a recipe for asthma attacks. Pollen particles can inflame airways in even non-asthmatics, making it more difficult to breathe as allergies set in. To navigate the hazard pollen poses for those with asthma, there are a few precautions you can take to avoid an attack during days with high pollen counts. 

Tips for Asthmatics During Spring

1. Check Outdoor Air Quality

Weather reports from March through June will include a pollen count, and Weather.com even tracks breathing comfort with the day’s allergy forecast. For those with asthma, these stats can be a useful indicator of if you’re going to need your quick-relief medication close by all day or how to navigate your time spent outside enjoying the warm weather. 

2. Exercise Later in the Day

Pollen counts are usually the highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. each day, and mornings that are hot and dry will make these levels particularly high. Sadly, that means your morning runs are probably not the best idea on these sunny days if you have asthma. Instead, opt for exercise indoors or in the evening to diminish pollen exposure. Days after it has rained are ideal for outdoor activities, as the storm washes away the pollen and clears the air. 

3. Beware of the One-Two Punch of Pollen

The pollen season lasts particularly long because it comes in two waves. The first, in March, is the tree pollen bloom, which releases a haze of this allergen. More towards May and June is the second wave—grass pollen. You’ll know when each type is on the rise as your yard slowly comes back to life after a long winter.

4. Set Air Conditioners to Recirculate 

In your car and your home, air conditioners can use a filtering technique to draw in and filter outside air to cool your home. On days with high pollen counts, this AC setting essentially pumps pollen into your space, leaving people with asthma as vulnerable as they are outside. Place these HVAC systems in a recirculation mode so that they perform their job by filtering and cooling the existing air inside to beat the heat. 

5. Watch for Other Triggers

Pollen isn’t the only thing in your garden that asthmatics should worry about in spring. Other hazards, like fertilizers and freshly cut grass, can worsen asthma symptoms, which is why it’s best to use a particle mask if you need to do yard work. As insects begin to re-inhabit your yard as well, steer clear of aerosol bug repellents and citronella candles. Lotion alternatives can avoid the irritation of a strongly scented bug spay.

For those with asthma, another course of action is your medication to manage this condition, and having a qualified primary care physician to guide this treatment is particularly useful. In Albany, NY, families turn to Urgent & Primary Care when dealing with asthma and other chronic conditions. This father-daughter practice emphasizes a personalized approach with their patients to deliver the best possible medical care at affordable rates. For more information about their full range of medical services and to schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (518) 463-8262.