Weather and Asthma
The effect of weather on asthma symptoms isn't fully
understood, but clearly there is a link. Numerous studies have
shown a variety of connections, such as increases in asthma-related
emergency department visits when certain weather conditions are
present. Some people find that their asthma symptoms get worse at
specific times of year. For others, a severe storm or sudden
weather change may trigger an attack.
Exposure to cold, dry air is a common asthma
trigger
and can quickly cause severe symptoms. People with exercise-induced
asthma who participate in winter sports are especially susceptible.
Dry, windy weather can stir up
pollen
and mold in the air, leading to problems for some people.
Hot, humid air also can trigger asthma symptoms, and wet weather
encourages the growth of mold spores, another asthma trigger. In
certain areas, heat and sunlight combine with pollutants to create
ground-level ozone, which is also an asthma trigger.
Studies have shown that thunderstorms can trigger asthma
attacks. One study showed that during thunderstorms, the daily
number of emergency department visits for asthma increased by 15%.
The study concluded that the problem was caused by the number of
fungal spores in the air, which almost doubled. It wasn't rain,
but the wind, that caused this increase. Changes in barometric
pressure may also be an asthma trigger.
Avoiding Allergy Triggers
If you suspect weather is playing a role in your child's
asthma, keep a diary of asthma symptoms and possible triggers and
talk to your child's doctor. Once you know what kind of weather
triggers asthma symptoms, you can take steps to protect your
child:
- Watch the forecast for pollen and mold counts as well as
other conditions (extreme cold or heat) that might affect your
child's asthma.
- Limit your child's outdoor activities on peak trigger
days.
- Make sure your child wears a scarf over his or her mouth and
nose outside during very cold weather.
- Keep windows closed at night to keep pollens and molds out.
If it's hot, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and
dries the air.
- Keep your child indoors early in the morning (before 10 AM)
when pollen is at its highest levels.
- Your child shouldn't mow the lawn or rake leaves, and
should be kept away from freshly cut grass and leaf piles.
- Dry clothes in the dryer (hanging clothes or sheets to dry
can allow mold or pollen to collect on them).
- Make sure your child always has rescue medication on
hand.
Your child's written asthma action plan should list weather
triggers and ways to manage them, including any seasonal increases
in medication. A child whose asthma seems to be
allergy-related
may also need to see an allergist for medication or
allergy shots
.
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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