How to Prevent Asthma Attacks this Spring

Spring can be a time of worsening allergy and asthma symptoms because pollen, blooming plants, flowering trees, and warmer weather can all be triggers for attacks. You may experience inflammation in your airway due to seasonal allergies that can provoke asthma symptoms.

Even if you live in the city or keep your yard clear of plants that you know irritate you, pollen distributes widely and can still affect you. Stay inside and use your air conditioning on days that seem especially irritating. Since you want to get out and enjoy the beauty of spring sometimes, the team at Medinet Family Care Clinic offers the following tips to help you avoid asthma attacks this season.

Go outside at the right times

Between the hours of 5 am and 10 am, try to stay inside with the windows closed. Pollen levels are usually highest in the morning at these times.

Get to know what sets you off

Most people with asthma have triggers that exacerbate their symptoms to cause attacks. These include grass pollens, tree pollens, and mold. Check daily weather reports to know when these triggers are high and plan more indoor activities on those days.

Adjust your landscaping

If you can, hire a service to do your yard – mowing, weeding, and planting. If you can’t afford this added expense or enjoy doing yard work, take precautions. When you go outside to take care of your yard, wear a mask to avoid breathing in pollen and dirt. Short grass, xeriscaping, and ground cover that releases minimal pollen are all smart yard solutions.

Laundry tips

When you do come in from time outside, change and launder your outdoor clothes immediately, so you don’t transfer a lot of pollen to your home. After time outdoors, you also benefit from a cleansing shower.

Don’t hang clothes or sheets outside on a clothesline. You might enjoy the fresh scent, but the cloth gets covered with pollen that you bring inside, with the potential to set off an asthma attack.

Spring clean with care

Spring is a fantastic time to give your home a thorough cleaning, but this can dislodge dust and dander. Don’t abandon cleaning, however, as a spotless house means fewer triggers. Use non-irritating cleaning products (we can make recommendations) and wear a mask.

Work out indoors

Springtime weather may tempt you to go outside for a bike ride or hike. But exercising outdoors can heighten your reaction to pollen and other triggers. If you do go outside for workouts, do so at the times when pollen counts are low. Otherwise, stay healthy and asthma smart by exercising indoors.

If you struggle with asthma, call our nearest office in either Houston or Sugar Land, Texas, for an appointment. You can also request an appointment with this online booking tool.