With the arrival of spring, nature comes alive, but for people with bronchial asthma, this season presents a tough challenge. Tree pollen, blooming plants, and grasses are among the most aggressive triggers, causing asthma attacks, coughing, and shortness of breath. According to statistics, 60% of asthma patients experience worsened symptoms in the spring months when allergen concentrations in the air reach their peak. Here’s how to protect yourself during this risky period and minimize the health risks.
Monitor Pollen Levels
The first step is to keep track of plant blooming forecasts in your region. Many meteorological websites and mobile apps provide pollen monitoring maps that show which plants are active at the moment. On days with high pollen concentration, it’s best to stay indoors, especially in the morning when allergens are released in the highest quantities.
If you must go outside, wear a medical mask and sunglasses to reduce pollen exposure to your respiratory system and eyes. Upon returning home, take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes, as allergens settle on fabric and skin.
Optimize Your Living Space
Your home should become a reliable fortress against allergens. Keep windows closed and use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter that captures pollen. Regular wet cleaning is essential. Remove carpets, heavy curtains, and stuffed toys, as they accumulate dust and pollen.
If you have pets that go outside, wash them after walks. For additional protection, you can set up an air purifier in the bedroom — especially important at night when the risk of asthma attacks increases.
Strictly Follow Your Treatment Plan
It’s crucial not to relax your therapy, even if you feel well. If your doctor has prescribed basic therapy, continue taking your medications as directed. These medicines work gradually to suppress inflammation in the bronchi. Always keep an emergency inhaler on hand, as an attack can occur suddenly upon contact with an allergen.
Discuss with your doctor the possibility of preventive increases in medication dosages during the blooming season or the addition of antihistamines if your asthma is accompanied by allergic rhinitis. Never adjust your treatment plan on your own — doing so could worsen your condition.
Support Your Body from Within
Proper nutrition and hydration play a vital role in asthma control. Increase your water intake to make mucus less viscous and ease breathing. Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, such as fatty fish rich in omega-3, ginger, turmeric, berries, and leafy vegetables. Avoid potential allergens like honey, nuts, and citrus fruits during the blooming season, as they may intensify reactions.
It’s scientifically proven that vitamin D deficiency exacerbates asthma, so it’s worth checking your levels and supplementing if necessary. Also, avoid foods containing sulfites (e.g., canned goods, wine, dried fruits), as they may provoke bronchospasm.
Exercise Your Breathing System
Physical activity with asthma should be approached cautiously, but it’s essential not to avoid it entirely. Breathing exercises can strengthen the diaphragm and improve control over your breathing. Swimming in a warm pool and walking at a calm pace are beneficial — but only on days with low pollen levels and after using a preventive inhaler. Try to avoid outdoor exercise in the morning, when allergen concentrations are at their highest.
Stress is a well-known trigger for asthma attacks, so relaxation techniques should also be a part of your spring routine.
How Science Helps Asthma Patients
Modern medicine offers effective methods for managing seasonal exacerbations. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), a method where the body is gradually “accustomed” to an allergen through microdoses, can reduce sensitivity to pollen over 3-5 years.
Biological treatments, on the other hand, block immune reactions that cause inflammation. However, these methods require individual adjustments and prolonged treatment, so it’s better to start preparing for spring well in advance.
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