Do you find yourself dreading each season change, fearing that it will cause your asthma symptoms to kick in? Changes to the weather, as well as to the environment, which occur throughout the year, can indeed be asthma triggers. But there are things you can do to take control of your situation so you won’t have to be afraid of what lies ahead.

The Seasonal Difference

You probably know all too well how certain weather conditions can be triggers for asthma. Especially if your asthma is related to allergies, different substances that are contained in the air will affect just how you feel. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that about 35 million Americans experience allergies caused by pollen, grass and trees that bloom in the spring, and many of them will also have asthma symptoms.

In the winter, breathing in very cold, dry air, especially while exerting yourself to run, shovel or ski, may set your symptoms in motion. In the summer, the heavy, humid air may make it difficult for you to be outdoors. In between, you have to worry about thunderstorms, ragweed, and a host of other allergens that can vary depending on where you live. So the bottom line is that a full twelve months a year, you may need to be prepared to manage your symptoms.

Know Your Triggers

Regardless of when and where your asthma hits, successfully managing your asthma is an ongoing responsibility that requires a multi-pronged approach.

  • First, your doctor will likely suggest regularly using a control medication, which is an important step to keeping your symptoms in check.
  • You can also use a peak flow meter to stay on top of any changes in your breathing, so you can adjust your dose as needed.
  • In addition, you will need to be prepared for times when your symptoms kick in by having a quick-relief inhaler available.
  • Finally, be familiar with your asthma management plan, which will provide directions on how to use these various medications and should provide essential steps that will guide you on managing so your symptoms most effectively in a range of situations.

Be Proactive

Often times, people stop taking their asthma medications when they don’t have any symptoms, only to suffer from an asthma attack and find that they have to start again. When you have seasonal allergies that linger all year, this can be a particular danger, since there is always another trigger waiting in the air. That’s why it is important to be proactive and always follow your doctor’s suggestions, so you can manage your asthma well and be able to enjoy every season of the year.