The season of rain and craving for hot snacks can also bring seasonal infections and allergies. The humid and damp environment can be a trigger for those with asthma and it’s crucial for them to prevent and manage the flare-ups during this season. Experts speak to Happiest Health and share some of the best ways to manage asthma during monsoon.
Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed or narrowed resulting in difficulty in breathing.
What causes asthma flare-ups?
Commonly, asthma flare-ups during monsoon are due to pollens, says Dr Jagadeesh Kumar, pulmonologist, Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru. “For many people, their asthma gets worse when the pollen count in the air increases – like when there is a breeze or when it rains or after a spell of rain.” The damp and moist atmosphere can be a trigger, which is commonly seen in monsoons,” he said.
1. Stay away from allergens
During the monsoon season, individuals battling asthma face heightened risks of flare-ups due to triggers like mold growth, indoor allergens, and respiratory infections, says Dr D S Sowjanya, consultant pulmonologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad. She says that it is crucial to minimize exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and molds. “Maintaining well-ventilated living spaces, utilizing air purifiers, and regular cleaning and vacuuming are recommended steps to achieve this,” she said.
Stepping out during monsoons will expose them to dust and pollen which can be avoided or limited, says Dr Kumar. “If they have to step out, it’s important to carry their inhalers and medications in case of flare-ups. Avoid strong sprays or perfumes,” he said. Parents of children with asthma must be aware of the link between soft toys and dust mites which can worsen asthma. Doctors suggest those prone to allergies must avoid soft toys.
“Nasal, skin, and lung allergies are all interconnected, and most people think that they are not,” says Dr Kumar. If a person with asthma has a skin allergy, they must not neglect it as that could trigger asthma.
Staying hydrated is crucial in keeping airway linings moist and potentially alleviating breathing difficulties. “Ensuring ample water intake and warm fluids can contribute to preventing irritation. Vigilance regarding weather forecasts, especially in terms of air quality and humidity levels, is also paramount. High humidity can exacerbate symptoms, hence it’s advised to avoid strenuous activities during excessively humid conditions,” says Dr Sowjanya.
2. Maintain hygiene
Dr Sowjanya said that frequent handwashing, maintaining distance from sick individuals, and wearing masks when necessary helps reduce the risk of viral infections.
“Regularly change the bedsheets, pillow covers, and window curtains which may carry dust and trigger asthma. Keep the fans, windows, air conditioner, and the surrounding area free from dust,” says Dr Kumar suggesting asthmatic people use cotton quilts instead of woollen.
3. Do not skip medication
Dr Sowjanya stresses consistent adherence to prescribed long-term controller medications, like inhaled corticosteroids, helps to breathe easily. She says prescribed medications remain pivotal in sustaining optimal asthma control and curbing exacerbation risks.
Talking about one of the common mistakes, Dr Kumar said that if someone is prone to allergies, they must use their inhalers or nasal sprays regularly and not stop in between because they feel better without their physician’s advice. “Signs like runny nose, cough, and sneezing should not be neglected as that can trigger wheezing and breathing difficulty,” he said.
Dr Sowjanya added that regular visits to a pulmonologist for asthma check-ups ensure tailored management plans that adapt to specific conditions and seasonal changes. “It’s crucial to acknowledge that individual responses to triggers can vary widely. Employing these measures collectively diminishes the odds of asthma flare-ups during the monsoon season,” she said.
In cases of worsening symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is advised by experts to ensure optimal asthma management.
4. Moderate exercise
Incorporating regular, moderate indoor exercises that suit individual conditions supports lung function and overall well-being, says Dr Sowjanya. “Carrying a quick-relief inhaler is strongly recommended for immediate symptom relief while exercising,” she said.
Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation help in improving asthma symptoms and lung function. “Stress is also a trigger factor for people with asthma and practicing some general exercises like deep breathing and meditation will help them reduce stress and to stay calm,” said Dr Kumar cautioning that one must not exert themselves while exercising or do a heavy workout which may trigger asthma.
Activities such as swimming, jogging, and gym workouts help in improving lung function but they need to be moderate and it’s a must to carry inhalers and other medications while stepping out, say experts.
5. Stay vaccinated
People with asthma are more prone to infections, especially during monsoons when the spread of infections is high. Staying up to date with vaccinations, notably, the annual flu shot, is vital as respiratory infections can serve as asthma triggers, says Dr Sowjanya. It is important to take up vaccinations against infections such as pneumonia, influenza, pertussis or whooping cough.
Doctors suggest that if someone is traveling during monsoon, getting vaccination done for the infections that are known to be endemic in a special region, is a must. “Elderly and asthmatic people with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension must stay vaccinated,” Dr Kumar added.
Takeaways
- Monsoons lower the temperature and increase the chances of infections spreading making people with asthma vulnerable.
- Following some of the simple measures such as avoiding exposure to allergens, following regular medications, and maintaining hygiene can help in preventing and controlling asthma flare-ups.
