Asthma May Worsen in the Fall
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People who live with asthma should prepare for the fall season when asthma symptoms are often exacerbated. With cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and football overtaking most TVs during the weekend, fall also brings an increase in asthma issues. The rise in asthma problems can be caused by respiratory infections, changing weather patterns, and for children, being exposed to more viruses during the school year.
The Asthma Society of Canada issues tips for asthma patients based on the season, as it believes each season presents unique issues. On the website, 4seasonsofasthma.ca, the society states, “asthma symptoms often vary over time, due to different environmental triggers such as mold or pollen spores. Just like the leaves on a tree change, these triggers can be different throughout the four seasons of the year.”
Pertaining specifically to fall, the website states, “Not only do the fall months bring discomfort to many allergy and asthma sufferers but it is compounded by the outdoor molds thriving in the damp environment created by falling and decaying leaves. Those who are allergic to both mold and fall pollen, such as ragweed, should monitor their symptoms closely and take preventative action.”
The society encourages all patients to get a flu shot each fall, continue using controller medication and be aware of elevating allergen levels that may trigger an attack. It also suggests review of the patient’s asthma action plan. The Centers for Disease Control has an asthma action plan template that works for both adults and children and can help anyone prepare for emergency situations.
A way to possibly help control seasonal asthma symptoms in the future is a drug specifically tested to give children relief from fall asthma triggers.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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