Allergies and Asthma Through the Seasons

Allergies and asthma can change with the seasons, depending on which triggers you are sensitive to. It's important to understand the challenges that you'll face during each part of the year, so that you know what to do to keep your asthma and allergies under control.

If you have allergies and asthma, pollen may make it difficult to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of spring. Getting outdoors can be havoc for your asthma control. Find out what to expect and actions you can take to keep your asthma and allergies on an even keel and under control during the spring.

Extremes of heat can lead to poorly controlled asthma during the summer. Additionally, some common pastimes like gardening can be more problematic during this time of year, and you may need specific tips to keep your asthma control in check. Find out how you can change that and keep asthma and allergies from interfering in your summer fun.

As summer winds down, you may look forward to getting a break from summer allergies. But, then your symptoms come back with a vengeance. If you're dealing with sneezing, wheezing, and coughing once again, you will need to follow your treatment regimen.

Unfortunately, late summer and early fall are the worst times of year for many seasonal allergic asthma sufferers. Common fall allergy and asthma symptoms can include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal stuffiness
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery, burning eyes
• Itchy mouth or throat
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Tight feeling in the chest

Kids with fall allergy symptoms may give the allergic salute—rubbing noses upward because of itching. You may notice dark circles under their eyes that are caused by nasal congestion, too. So, find out why and what you can do to stay healthy during some of the most challenging months of the year.

With winter, you may expect that allergic asthma symptoms will fade. For many people, that's exactly what does happen. But, if you are sensitive to indoor allergy and asthma triggers, then winter will continue to be a season that challenges you. Find out what winter can mean to people with allergy-induced asthma and actions you can take to keep things running smoothly.

You also want to make sure that you do not commit winter asthma mistakes. If you are not getting a flu shot, then you may be making a mistake. Asthma is a high-risk condition and you are more likely to develop flu complications compared to people without asthma.

Not having, updating, or following your asthma action plan is a mistake that can lead to poor asthma control. If you do not have an asthma action plan, have not discussed it recently, or do not understand it, then make an appointment to talk with your doctor.

Also, not having a rescue inhaler handy can be a dangerous mistake if you encounter an unexpected trigger. So, be diligent about taking your medication and stay mindful of avoiding your triggers.