As allergy season sets in, many people feel the usual signs—sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes. But for individuals with asthma, these seasonal changes can lead to more serious respiratory issues. We spoke with our Cardiopulmonary Team at OCH about how allergy season affects asthma and what steps can be taken to manage it.
How Allergies Affect Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes your airways to become inflamed and sensitive. This inflammation makes it harder to breathe, especially when exposed to certain triggers. These include pollen, pet dander, mold, smoke, strong smells, cold air, and even stress or illness. For many people with asthma, allergens can cause flare-ups that result in coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Some people with asthma may also experience a drop in their peak flow, a measurement of how well air moves out of the lungs. Asthma flare-ups can range from mild to life-threatening, especially when the condition is not well controlled.
Tips for Managing Asthma
“Asthma can be managed effectively with the right care and preparation”, says Howard Bennett, RRT-SDS, OCH Gravette Cardiopulmonary Manager “we recommend the following steps to help control symptoms.”
- Know your triggers and avoid them when possible
- Take medications as prescribed, even if you feel fine
- Use rescue inhalers for quick relief and long-term medications daily to prevent symptoms
- Use a spacer with your inhaler to improve how medication reaches your lungs
- Track symptoms in an asthma diary and watch for early signs of flare-ups
- Follow a personalized asthma action plan created by your provider
- Monitor lung function using a peak flow meter
“Taking these steps helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks and ensures better overall lung health.”
The Importance of Pulmonary Function Testing
Howard also emphasizes that “one of the most important tools for diagnosing and managing asthma and COPD is a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). This test measures how well your lungs move air and exchange gases, helping to confirm a diagnosis and track how well your treatment works.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma or COPD, it’s recommended to have a PFT once a year, especially if you’re on long-term medication. It’s also a helpful diagnostic tool for those experiencing symptoms like persistent cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath, even without a formal diagnosis.”
Talk to your healthcare provider if you think a PFT is right for you, or if you have questions about managing asthma this allergy season. The more you understand your condition and how to manage it, the easier it is to breathe easily no matter the season.