Weather of Arabia - Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that results from inflammation of the airways in the lungs, which leads to narrowing of the airways and their secretion of mucus, and thus difficulty breathing for the patient. Many asthma patients are affected by changing seasons and weather conditions. Asthma attacks and symptoms may intensify as a result of several weather factors, including:
- High or low temperatures.
- High level of humidity in the air.
- sudden weather fluctuations
- Rain and thunderstorms.
The impact of these weather factors on asthma is more evident when weather disturbances are at their most extreme, such as cold winters and very hot summer days.
Asthma and hot weather
Some patients with asthma notice that certain symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath increase during hot weather, and it is believed that the exacerbation of asthma symptoms in the summer is due to the narrowing of the airway as a result of inhaling hot air. Also, some allergens in patients, such as mold and pollen, may become more prevalent during the summer, which leads to stimulating asthma attacks.
How do I deal with asthma in hot weather?
You can avoid triggering asthma attacks or exacerbating some symptoms during hot days by following these tips:
- Always carry asthma medications and inhalers with you wherever you go, especially inhalers intended for use when needed, such as those containing albuterol or salbutamol.
- Avoid leaving asthma medications in hot and enclosed places such as the car, and be sure to adhere to the storage rules listed on the package to ensure the validity and effectiveness of the medication.
- Take anti-allergic medications in case you have a pollen allergy, after asking your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate medication.
- Avoid going out and doing strenuous activities during the hours when the heat and sunshine is intense, which usually includes the afternoon to afternoon period.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Stop smoking immediately to avoid worsening asthma symptoms. You can ask your pharmacist about the best ways to quit smoking, such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and medicines.
- Ask someone in the house to wipe the dust for you, or wear a mask if you have to.
Asthma and cold weather (asthma and winter)
Cold and wet weather is one of the catalysts for asthma attacks in the winter, as asthma symptoms may increase in severity during the fall and winter, including coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. This may be due to constriction and narrowing of the respiratory tract caused by the ingress of cold air, and mold spores are also spread in this weather.
In addition, the increased incidence of colds and influenza during the winter season may exacerbate asthma attacks in patients. Cold weather particularly affects patients with a type of asthma called exercise-induced asthma. This occurs because the body needs a greater amount of oxygen when exercising, which prompts the patient to breathe through the mouth as the air enters cold and dry, and the effect of this cold increases during the winter and autumn seasons. .
How do I deal with asthma in cold weather?
You can avoid triggering asthma attacks or exacerbating some of the symptoms of asthma in the winter by following the following tips:
- Make sure to receive the annual flu vaccine if it is available in pharmacies, in order to avoid getting sick and exacerbating asthma attacks.
- Always carry asthma medications and inhalers with you wherever you go, especially inhalers intended for use when needed, such as those containing albuterol or salbutamol.
- Make sure to warm all areas of the body when leaving the house, by wearing gloves, warm socks, winter hats, and wrapping scarves on the face when leaving the house to avoid a sudden transition from warm to cold weather.
- Avoid leaving the house when the temperature drops to extremes, such as zero degrees Celsius and below.
- Make sure that you use your asthma inhaler in the correct and effective way, and visit your doctor if you are using an inhaler designated for need only.
- Make sure to wash the bed sheets at least once a week with warm water, in order to get rid of mites that are more prevalent during the winter, and may trigger asthma attacks.
- Avoid opening windows during periods of frequent spread of mold, mites, or pollen.
- Avoid kissing or sharing eating utensils with people who have a cold or the flu, and make sure to wash and sanitize your hands several times during the day.
- Make sure to drink enough water, which helps to dilute the mucus that has accumulated in the airways, making it easier for it to come out.
- If you exercise, use your asthma inhaler about a quarter to half an hour before you start.
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Asthma and thunderstorms
Thunderstorms contribute to the transfer and disintegration of pollen in the atmosphere, which leads to inhalation by asthmatics and stimulates asthma and allergy attacks. This effect appears more in children or young adults, and is caused by the high level of humidity and wind in the air.
How do I deal with asthma during thunderstorms?
Follow these tips on windy and windy days to avoid worsening asthma symptoms:
- Always be sure to follow the weather forecast, and avoid leaving the house during storms and turbulence.
- Make sure to shower and wash your clothes when you come outside to get rid of the pollen in the air.
- Always keep your asthma inhaler for use when needed, and be sure to take it with you when you leave the house.
- If you suffer from seasonal allergies or hay allergies, be sure to take anti-allergic medications, after consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
- Avoid smoking or passive smoking.
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