Blog written by: Kemp W. Bundy, M.D., MBA
While the long sunny days of summer are a welcome presence for most, summer can pose some unwelcome challenges to allergy and asthma sufferers. There are unfortunately many seasonal triggers for asthma. Many patients are aware of and/or have experienced an increase in seasonal asthma symptoms including but not limited to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and an increased use of their rescue inhaler. Oftentimes this can occur on days with elevated pollen counts. Summer is grass pollen season but depending on the summer, there can be overlap with tree, ragweed and mold pollen counts, posing multiple different triggers for one to contend with regarding maintaining asthma control. While many asthmatics are not significantly impacted by heat and humidity, some asthma patients note an increase in asthma symptoms requiring their rescue inhaler on days with elevated temperature or humidity levels. If you find yourself needing your rescue inhaler more than 2 times a week (outside of exercise) or if asthma is impacting your quality of life by not being fully able to participate in fun summer activities, contact your allergist at Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants for additional recommendations. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available that will allow you to get back in the game.
Seasonal allergy symptoms of runny nose, itchy/watery/red eyes, postnasal drip, nasal congestion and itchy ears/nose/mouth/throat can also be triggered when pollen counts are high. This constellation of symptoms can require at times multiple medications to help regain control. The sunny days that we here in the Northeast yearn for during the cold months of winter can unnecessarily be cut short or be negatively impacted by allergy symptoms due to elevated seasonal pollens. Don’t let your next outdoors summer activity or barbecue be interrupted by allergies. Take back control. Know your triggers and find relief at Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants.