People with asthma may find that when temperatures soar, along with humidity levels, their asthma symptoms begin to flare. While asthma is a year-round condition that affects millions of people, asthma symptoms usually worsen in late summer-fall. Since hot, humid air is heavier, it feels harder to breathe in. That’s why this time of the year is considered asthma season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.6 million people visit the emergency room every year because of asthma.
At NY Allergy & Sinus Centers, our allergists are trained to identify and treat allergic asthma. We know that asthma can flare at any moment. That’s why we remain available to our patients to help them understand asthma triggers and determine the best way to avoid them.
Triggers of Asthma Symptoms This Season
Along with pollen, heat and humidity are the top triggers of asthma symptoms this season. Both can lead to poorly controlled asthma during the summer and fall. Asthmatic lungs are more sensitive to extreme temperatures. High temperatures and humidity cause air to trap pollutants that can irritate the airways. Pollutants include smog, smoke, and much more.
This study on hospitalizations in adult patients with asthma found that a 10% increase in either temperature or humidity led to an increase in asthma-related hospitalizations in children. Across age groups, an increase in risk for asthma hospitalization from exposure to extreme heat was most prominent among youth and young adults. Now that researchers have established a link between heat and asthma, we recommend taking extreme precautions during warmer months to manage your asthma symptoms.
Preparing for Peak Asthma Season
To keep your asthma from flaring this asthma season, keep your windows and doors closed to keep pollutants from getting into your home and diminishing the air quality inside it. You should also try to avoid vigorous exercise or physical activity when it is hottest outside. Exercising with asthma during any season is already difficult for some. Remember to stay hydrated and always keep your asthma medication with you in case you feel an onset of symptoms when outdoors.
Managing and Preventing Allergic Asthma
The allergists at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers can help you manage and prevent your allergic asthma. We offer allergy shots to improve asthma symptoms. Data has shown that starting allergy shots in children can prevent asthma from developing. So, we encourage parents of children aged 4-10 to begin allergy shots as soon as possible to prevent asthma.
To also help manage your asthma, we offer multiple treatment options personalized for you and your lifestyle. Treatment options may include control and rescue inhalers, theophylline, and leukotriene modifiers. For refills on your asthma prescriptions or to begin allergy shots at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers, call (212) 686-4448 or book an appointment online with one of our NYC allergists.