Asthma is one of the most distressing ailments since the patient literally can’t breathe, or needs to breathe too quickly to exhale properly. If you, or one of your loved ones suffers from asthma, read on to catch some tips on how to stay one step ahead of seasonal aggravation. Preventive measures are the most advisable ways to ward off seasonal aggravation of asthma.
There are many known triggers of asthmatic attacks. They include: sinusitis, cold air, sudden exposure to smoke and other air pollutants, pollen and micro particles in the air during spring and the threshing season, allergies, colds, and viral attacks, even strong fragrances. Any of these could lead to that terrible constriction in the chest, wheezing, irritable throat, a quickened heart rate, and/or rapid breathing with shortness of breath.
Maintain a Diary
Ideally, you should maintain a diary to record when you got an asthmatic attack, and what triggered it. This will enable you and your doctor identify a pattern whether physical issues like temperature variations affect you, or whether emotional and psychological issues trigger attacks. You should also record the food and beverages you eat and drink daily. This will help identify which food or drink you might be allergic to, so that you can avoid them in future.
Watch out for seasonal fruits and vegetables
Certain seasonal foods, and the juice of some fruits and vegetables might trigger an allergic reaction. Stay alert as to which ones sparks an adverse reaction, and avoid them. Foods which contain menthol, oxalic acid, or gluten might spark allergic reaction. Cow’s milk, peanuts, cheese, dried fruits, mushrooms, various kinds of instant food like soups, and fries, shellfish and crabs are some foodstuffs known to spark an asthma attack.
Avoid Drugs Which Might Trigger Reactions
When you suffer from certain health issues, you’re usually prescribed drugs to address them. However, you need to be watchful whether any of them cause allergic reactions in you. Even if you’re allergic to a specific ingredient, you should bring it to your doctor’s notice.
Be Alert to Weather Warnings
High humidity, dust storms, thunderstorms, breathing in sudden cold dry air, and sudden rises or dips in temperature can trigger an asthmatic attack. Temperature variations and storms occur most during change of season — when spring gives way to summer, and when autumn turns to winter — which cause a host of ailments, especially asthma. Also, keep track of the suspended particulate matter readings in your area.
Stay Indoors as Far as Possible
The wisest action when storms are predicted, or in seasons when pollens and grain particles fly in the air the most, would be to stay indoors. Wear a mask if you must stir outside as people who need to go to educational institutions, offices, courts, and the marketplace must do.
Use Filters; Keep Away from Smoke
You should install filters in your home and workplace to keep out particulate pollutants, dust, and other allergens. Stop smoking, and don’t allow anyone to smoke around you. Most important, the mosquito menace increases manifold during change of season and during the monsoons. However, don’t use mosquito coils to ward off the pests. Chemical mosquito repellents and sprays are equally dangerous. While a natural repellent like burning neem leaves might be the solution for most people; it should never be done when there is any asthmatic patient in the house or office.
Allergens and Allergy Shots
Once the allergens have been identified, consult the doctor about taking allergy shots. In the flu season, vaccination might be advisable as a preventive measure. Above all, you must seek professional counsel.