Asthma and Allergies
Understanding Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. It occurs when allergens trigger inflammation in the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Everyone's asthma is different. Knowing what triggers your symptoms is an important first step in managing your asthma and reducing flare-ups.
Common Allergy Triggers
Many people with asthma are sensitive to one or more allergens.
Outdoor Allergens
- Tree, grass, and weed pollen
- Mold spores
Indoor Allergens
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Cockroaches
If you're unsure what triggers your symptoms, talk with your healthcare professional or an allergist. Allergy testing may help identify specific allergens so you can better manage your asthma.
Managing Allergies During Allergy Season
When allergy season arrives, reducing your exposure to allergens can help prevent asthma symptoms.
Before spending time outdoors, check your local pollen forecast and Air Quality Index (AQI). Pollen levels are often highest during the early morning hours and on warm, dry, or windy days. While rain may temporarily reduce pollen in the air, mold levels can increase afterward.
Reduce Your Exposure
Indoors
Simple changes around your home can help reduce indoor allergens.
- Dust and vacuum regularly to reduce dust mites.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and consider wearing a mask while cleaning.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom if pet dander is a trigger.
- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen days.
- Use air conditioning or a dehumidifier to help reduce indoor humidity and mold growth.
- Change your home's air filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Outdoors
If pollen or outdoor mold triggers your asthma:
- Limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, especially between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Keep car windows closed while driving.
- Stay indoors on windy days or when air quality is poor.
- Consider wearing a well-fitting face mask if you must be outdoors during high pollen days.
- Shower and wash your hair after spending time outside to remove pollen.
- Change clothes after outdoor activities.
- Dry laundry indoors during peak allergy season to prevent pollen from collecting on clothing and bedding.
Managing Allergic Asthma
Avoiding allergens is only one part of managing allergic asthma.
Work with your healthcare professional to:
- Follow your Asthma Action Plan.
- Take your asthma medications as prescribed.
- Learn how to use your inhaler correctly.
- Discuss whether allergy medications or allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets) may be appropriate for you.
- Monitor your symptoms and report any changes.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Professional
Talk with your healthcare professional if:
- Your asthma symptoms become more frequent or severe during allergy season.
- You're using your rescue inhaler more often than recommended.
- Allergy symptoms interfere with your daily activities or sleep.
- You're unsure what is triggering your asthma.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have severe difficulty breathing, cannot speak in full sentences because of shortness of breath, or your rescue inhaler is not providing relief.
Managing allergies can be an important part of controlling asthma. By identifying your triggers, reducing exposure, and following your treatment plan, you can help prevent symptoms and stay active throughout the year.