With warmer weather, many of us are spending significantly more time outdoors. For people living with asthma, it is vital to stay cautious about specific seasonal factors that may aggravate their lungs. As World Asthma Day takes place this week, health experts are highlighting environmental changes that often lead to breathing difficulties.
Key Seasonal Triggers for Asthma
Karen Spillett from Asthma + Lung UK has outlined five primary concerns to monitor during the sunny season. By understanding these risks, you can better prepare for outdoor activities and ensure your health remains a top priority. Spillett offers practical guidance on managing these common issues to help you enjoy the sunshine safely.
1. Warm Conditions
"Warmer weather can cause people's airways to narrow, which can bring on asthma symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath," says Spillett. This is due to the heat causing airways to constrict, making breathing more difficult for those with sensitive lungs.
2. Stormy Weather
Atmospheric changes during a storm can lead to sudden asthma attacks and worsening conditions like wheezing, reports Camilla Foster. This phenomenon is frequently described as 'thunderstorm asthma' by health professionals. "This doesn't affect everyone with asthma, but it's important to be aware of it. People might have a higher risk of getting thunderstorm asthma if they have asthma and hay fever, are not managing their asthma well, or have undiagnosed asthma. There's also evidence that younger adults under 30 are more affected by thunderstorm asthma than older people," says Spillett.
3. Pollen Counts
The brighter months usually see a rise in pollen levels, particularly from various grasses and weeds. These natural particles can act as a significant irritant for those with respiratory sensitivities. "The main seasonal allergy that can affect people with asthma is hay fever," says Spillett. According to the charity, those dealing with both conditions simultaneously face a much greater chance of a serious attack. "The hay fever season runs from March through to September, so people with asthma need to be aware of pollen levels when they are out and about," says Spillett.
4. Poor Air Quality
"Strong sunshine can cause the level of ozone and other air pollutants in the atmosphere to rise, which can trigger asthma symptoms," says Spillett. Even a simple garden cookout can present unexpected challenges for your breathing. Spillett explains: "If you've got asthma, your airways are already sensitive and irritated, and if you come into contact with a trigger, such as smoke from a barbecue, that will trigger your airways. They will become more inflamed and narrowed, which triggers symptoms of asthma that will need to be treated."
5. Fungus and Particles
"Irritants like mould and dust are still rife in the summer months, and can be a trigger in different places," says Spillett. If you are planning a trip away, remember that certain environments can harbour these irritants. "If you are going camping in the summer, for example, be mindful that tents can be a breeding ground for mould spores," says Spillett.
Tracking Your Triggers
"Sometimes it's not always obvious what your specific triggers are and it can be a bit of a detective mission," says Spillett. Noting down when you feel unwell can help you identify specific environmental patterns. "Keeping a diary can help you track things over time and can help you spot any patterns. Think about what you were doing when you started getting asthma symptoms. What time of day was it? Where were you? You can also use your peak flow scores to help work out what's triggering your asthma symptoms," says Spillett.
How to Stay Protected
"You can keep an eye on the weather forecast, pollen levels and air pollution levels on the Met Office website or app," says Spillett. Keeping a close watch on local data allows you to plan your day with confidence. "If you are planning to exercise outside, it might be good to think about doing it earlier in the morning or in the evening when it's cooler and the pollen levels are likely to be lower," suggests Spillett. "Also, make sure that you've got a drink with you to stay hydrated and always have a reliever inhaler with you."
"Keep a room cool by using a fan," recommends Spillett. "However, make sure that the fan is clean. If it has been sat in a cupboard for a year, wipe any dust off with a damp cloth."
"An asthma action plan tells you what to do to keep well every day, so following that basic care advice is really important," says Spillett. "For anyone with a lung condition, it's important to carry on taking your medications as prescribed, even when you feel well, to manage that sensitivity in the airways. Make sure you have a reliever inhaler with you at all times, so if you do start to feel those symptoms, you can use it."
"If you're going camping, get your equipment out and make sure it's clean," advises Spillett. "Make sure you remove any black, white or green patches on the equipment before you use it. If mould is a trigger for you, ask a friend or a family member if they can help."
"Try to stay away from main roads or congested areas and consider taking the back roads instead where there's less congestion and less pollution," recommends Spillett.
"If you know when you tend to start getting hay fever symptoms, start taking some antihistamines a couple of weeks before those symptoms usually start and then continue to take them across the season," recommends Spillett. "That will give you the best protection."
If you need further assistance, the Asthma + Lung UK helpline is available on 0300 222 5800.
