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Asthma In Summers: Symptoms, Causes And Preventive Tips To Avoid Triggers In Hot Days

Written by:

Anushka Tripathi

14 May 2024

10 min

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Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes airway inflammation and narrowing. Factors like heat, humidity, air pollution, and increased allergens like pollen may worsen asthma symptoms in summer. Around 339 million individuals worldwide are grappling with asthma, and tragically, asthma claims the lives of about 1000 people each day globally.

Managing asthma in summer becomes crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable season. By keeping yourself aware of common triggers and taking proactive steps, individuals with asthma can minimise the risk of exacerbations.

Whether it is staying indoors during peak pollen times, keeping rescue inhalers handy, or maintaining regular medication routines, there are various strategies to help navigate summer while keeping asthma symptoms under control. Keep reading to get into the topic of asthma in summer.

Table of Contents

Seasonal Asthma Overview

Symptoms And Manifestations Of Asthma In Summer

Why Do I Get Asthma In Summer?

Tips To Manage Asthma During Summer

Dietitian's Recommendation

The Final Say

FAQs

References

Seasonal Asthma Overview

Asthma in summer is characterised by exacerbations triggered by allergens prevalent during this time. These allergens commonly include pollen from various sources, such as trees, grasses, weeds, and outdoor mould spores.

A study suggested that asthma flares are highest during March and decline the most during July. Another survey by Cohen investigated that returning from school in summer is strongly associated with a heightened risk of asthma exacerbations, with September marking the peak incidence of seasonal variations in asthma.

Symptoms And Manifestations Of Asthma In Summer

Asthma is among the many seasonal diseases in summer that you need to watch out for. Here are the common symptoms of asthma in summer that you must know:

Wheezing: Narrowing of the airways due to inflammation results in turbulent airflow, causing wheezing, a characteristic whistling or squeaky sound during breathing.
Shortness of Breath: Constricted airways make it challenging to inhale sufficient air, leading to a sensation of breathlessness or inability to catch one's breath.
Coughing: Persistent coughing, especially prevalent at night or early mornings, is common in seasonal asthma and serves as a manifestation of airway irritation and inflammation.
Chest Tightness: Individuals often experience discomfort or pressure in the chest due to the constriction of the airways, which can mimic symptoms of a chest cold or flu.
Sleep Disturbances: Asthma symptoms, particularly coughing and shortness of breath, frequently disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and drowsiness.
Fatigue: Poor sleep quality and the physiological strain of managing asthma symptoms contribute to feelings of tiredness and exhaustion during the day.

Also Read: 5 Herbal Teas For Respiratory Health: Clear Your Lungs Naturally

Why Do I Get Asthma In Summer?

Why Do I Get Asthma In Summer

Asthma tends to act up more during the summer for several reasons:

1. Increased Exposure To Allergens

In summer, more pollen from plants like grasses and trees float around. For people with allergic asthma, this pollen can trigger allergic reactions that worsen their summer asthma.

2. Higher Humidity Levels

Summer air is often more humid, making breathing harder, especially for folks with sensitive airways. It can lead to more coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

3. Air Pollution

Asthma is one of the many diseases caused by air pollution, and during summer, air pollution is exacerbated by the increased use of air conditioners and vehicles. Breathing in this polluted air can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms.

4. Outdoor Activities

Summer is all about being outside, but for some people, things like exercise or camping can trigger asthma, mainly if they also deal with high pollen or pollution levels.

5. Indoor Allergens

Even though you spend more time outside in summer, indoor allergens like dust mites and mould can still be problematic. Spending more time indoors without good ventilation can expose people to these triggers and can cause worse asthma in summer.

6. Changes In Routine

Summer often means changes in routine, like travel or different sleep patterns. These changes can mess with asthma management, like forgetting to take medication or being exposed to new triggers.

Tips To Manage Asthma During Summer

Stay Aware of Air Quality	Keep an eye on local air quality reports, especially when it's hot and muggy. Pollution tends to worsen during summer, and poor air quality can aggravate your asthma symptoms in summer. If the air quality is terrible, it is advised to stay indoors.
Keep Hydrated	Drink plenty of water, especially when it's hot outside. Dehydration can make asthma symptoms in summer more severe, so staying hydrated throughout the day is vital.
Reduce Allergen Exposure	Take steps to limit exposure to allergens like pollen, mould, and dust. Keep your windows closed during peak pollen times, use air conditioning with a HEPA filter to clean indoor air, and clean your home regularly to reduce dust and mould.
Stick to Your Medication Routine	If your doctor has prescribed preventive medications, like inhalers or pills, take them as directed, even if you feel fine. These medications help control inflammation in your airways and reduce the risk of asthma in summer.
Have a Plan in Place	Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan. This plan will outline what to do if your symptoms get worse or if you have an asthma attack. Ensure you understand how to use your medications and when to seek help.
Keep Rescue Medications Handy	Always have your quick-relief inhaler with you in case of emergencies. These inhalers provide fast relief during asthma attacks or when you are having trouble breathing.
Avoid Triggers	Avoid spending time outdoors during the times of the day when pollen levels are highest, usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon. If you need to be outside, consider wearing a mask to filter out allergens.
Stay Cool	Hot, humid weather can worsen asthma symptoms in summer, so try to stay calm. Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, use fans or air conditioning, and take breaks if you exercise outside.
Prepare for Travel	If you leave for the summer vacation, take all your medications and asthma supplies. It is also a good idea to research healthcare facilities.

Also Read: Foods For Asthma Control & Beneficial Nutrients

Dietitian's Recommendation

As a dietitian, I often advise dietary choices to help manage asthma in summer. I suggest adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can worsen asthma in summer. I suggest incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3-rich foods such as fish and nuts to help reduce airway inflammation and improve asthma control.

Additionally, I recommend avoiding foods that could trigger allergic reactions or increase inflammation, such as processed snacks and foods containing high amounts of saturated fats.

-Dt. Aditi Upadhyay

The Final Say

Managing asthma in summer requires being proactive to minimise triggers and keep symptoms under control. The combination of increased allergens, humidity, and pollution can make this time challenging for people with asthma. By staying informed about local air quality, reducing exposure to allergens, sticking to medication routines, and having an asthma action plan, individuals can better handle their condition in the summer.

Staying hydrated, keeping calm, and avoiding outdoor triggers during peak pollen times is also essential. Regular communication with healthcare providers and monitoring symptoms is vital for ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer for asthma patients.

FAQs

1. Is asthma worse in summer or winter?

Winter is the worst season for people with asthma. Sudden changes in the weather and dry, cold air can irritate your respiratory tract, increasing mucus production.

2. What are some common triggers for asthma in the summer?

Common triggers for worsening asthma in summer include pollen, pollution, humidity, outdoor activities, and indoor allergens like dust and mould.

3. Which season is worse for asthma?

Winter tends to exacerbate asthma symptoms due to cold, dry air and increased indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander, making it the more challenging season for asthma sufferers.

References

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