Asthma is a serious problem it usually happens when your airways get narrow, swells and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Although the weather affects asthma badly. Proper care and treatment can help you to make yourself healthy let’s talk about how weather affects asthma.

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What is Asthma?

Asthma is a breathing problem which affects the airways in the lungs. Its a condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swell and produce a lot of mucus, which makes it very difficult to breathe.

What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma is a long term disease which inflames the airways. People with asthma generally have inflammation which is long lasting and needs managing. An asthma attack can happen at any time. Gentle symptoms may only last a few minutes while more serious asthma symptoms can last hours or days.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

1. Coughing

2. Wheezing

3. Shortness of breath

4. Rapid breathing

5. Chest tightness

What are the Major Signs of Asthma Attack?

Asthma may lead to a medical emergency:

1. Fast breathing with chest retractions

2. Cyanosis (very pale or blue coloring in the face, lips, fingernails)

3. The rapid movement of nostrils

4. Ribs or stomach moving in and out deeply and rapidly.

5. The expanded chest that does not deflate when you exhale.

6. Infants with asthma who fail to respond to or recognize parents.

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How Can Weather Affects Asthma?

Here are some points which justify that weather affects asthma:

1. High Heat:

When you breathe in hot air, it can irritate airways which are already narrowed. Heat and sunlight can also make pollution worse when they mix with chemicals in the air, creating smog. Watch air-quality and weather forecasts. Limit your time outside if they look bad. Air conditioning keeps you cool and filters out irritants.

2. Cold Temperature:

When the temperature drops, your asthma symptoms may get worse. Cooler air can dry out the tissues in your airways, making them more sensitive and likely to close up. A scarf wrapped loosely over your lower face will help warm the air before you inhale it.

3. High Humidity

You may feel as though it’s harder to breathe in the damp air. A slightly wet atmosphere is also a friendly environment for mold ­and dust mites, both of which irritate the lungs. An air conditioner or dehumidifier can help keep your home dry. If you need to be outdoors, try to get out during the morning or evening, when it’s usually less humid.

4. Sudden Weather Changes:

When the weather takes a sudden change, your asthma symptoms may flare up. Some experts believe that barometric pressure plays a role. But other research suggests that shifts in humidity and temperature are the culprits. Keep an eye on forecasts so you know when big swings are coming.

5. Rain:

Rain can have mixed effects on asthma. A light one can wash pollen away, which might ease your symptoms. You can’t control the outdoors, but you can manage indoor air by changing air conditioner’s filters often and make sure that the steamy areas like the kitchen and bathroom should have good ventilation to fight mildew growth.

6. Thunderstorms:

Some serious storms can pose a special threat to people with asthma. Rain and lightning hit pollen and break it into smaller-than-normal pieces. Spread by the wind, these particles get into your lungs and set off your symptoms. It’s common enough that there’s a term for it “thunderstorm asthma.” If pollen is one of your triggers, try to stay indoors during strong rainstorms and keep windows closed.

What Causes or Triggers Asthma?

Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Some people react to only a few while others react to many. If you already have an asthma problem, it is important to keep track of the causes or triggers that you know provoke your asthma. As the symptoms do not always occur right after exposure, this may take a bit of detective work. Detain asthma may occur depending on the type of trigger and how sensitive a person is to it.

What are the Preventions of Asthma?

1. Follow your Asthma Action Plan

Asthma is an ongoing condition which needs regular to examine and treat. Taking control of the treatment can make you feel more in control of your life in general. Consult with your doctor and health care team, write a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Then be sure to follow your plan.

2. Monitor your Breathing

You may grasp to recognize the warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. But the lung function may decrease before you notice any signs or symptoms, regularly measure and record your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter.

3. Take Your Medication as Prescribed

Always keep in mind to take prescribed medicines. Because your asthma seems to be improving, don’t change anything without first consulting to your doctor. It’s a good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit, so your doctor can double-check that you’re using your medications correctly and taking the right dose.

Conclusion:

As today we have discussed weather affects asthma and its symptoms, signs, effects and more importantly preventions. The best and the easiest way to cure this problem is to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercising and a few ways which we have mentioned in the above article. If you feel any of the above signs and symptoms so consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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