How to manage environmental allergy triggers
The key to managing asthma and allergy symptoms during any season is knowing your triggers. Pollen might bother you a bit, or it can make you feel miserable. You might find cold air ramps up your asthma symptoms.
Asthma and allergies are unique to each person. Here are some tips to help you manage environmental allergies:
Use an app or weather forecasting site. Keep an eye on potential weather changes that might affect you. Check the pollen count, mold spore count, air quality index, humidity, temperature, and changes in barometric pressure. Sign up for alerts via email or text.
Stay indoors and limit outdoor exercise when the pollen count is high or the air quality is poor.
Wear a mask when gardening or cutting grass. This can limit exposure to pollen, mold spores and air pollution.
Use a scarf to shield your mouth and nose in cold weather. The scarf warms and humidifies the air before you breathe it in, reducing shock to your airways.
Keep humidity levels in your home steady. Air conditioning, dehumidifiers or humidifiers can help keep your airways from becoming inflamed.
Take all your asthma medicines as prescribed. These help you control your asthma daily and during an asthma attack. Follow your Asthma Action Plan and your doctor’s recommendation for treatment.
Use air filters to remove allergens from indoor environments and reduce asthma triggers. Pollen can come inside due to open doors and windows. Mold, animal dander (pet allergens) and dust mites, and mold are also common indoor allergens.
Managing hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) Symptoms
Hay fever, more commonly known as allergic rhinitis, is a seasonal allergy. It is caused by exposure to allergens, including pollen from trees, grasses, weeds and other plants. Hay fever symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, itchy eyes, headache, fatigue and postnasal drip. Severe symptoms can impact asthma, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
If you think you have hay fever symptoms, work with your doctor to identify your triggers. They may vary from person to person. Your doctor may recommend allergy testing. Develop a treatment plan based on the results.
