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Breathing problems in the rainy season are a common concern for people with asthma, a type of chronic respiratory disease, causing inflammation and resistance of the airways. Asthma during rainy seasons flares up mostly due to highly humid weather conditions, growth of moulds, and fluctuations in temperature, making it challenging for the affected. Preventive measures should be taken to control asthma and ensure it is safe during these months. In this blog, let us discuss asthma prevention tips to keep your symptoms in check, even when the weather isn't on your side.
Synopsis
Why Asthma Flares Up During the Rainy Season?
During the rainy season, various environmental causes exacerbate asthma symptoms. There is a sudden increase in humidity along with the growth of mould and mildew – which leads to poor air quality. In asthmatics, irritation from cold air, combined with pollen levels, can give room to symptoms like continuous coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. An individual usually suffers from viral infections, such as a common cold or flu, during this period, but for those suffering from asthma, infections can worsen their condition.
The better you understand how these factors interact with your body, the better care you will take of yourself. This season demands special care and caution to prevent severe asthma attacks. Our top pulmonologist in Salem can help you guide your asthma care.
Top Tips to Control Asthma During the Rainy Season
1. Keep Indoor Air Clean and Dry
Rainy weather contributes to a higher indoor moisture level. Mould, mildew, and dust mites find the ideal atmosphere to grow. All these allergens are known asthmatic triggers. Here's what you can do to minimize the impact of these triggers and control your asthma effectively:
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Maintain indoor humidity levels of 30-50% using a dehumidifier.
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Clean often damp areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, regularly.
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Do not hang wet clothes inside the home, as this increases humidity.
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All rooms need to be well-ventilated so that the air remains fresh and moistures are circulated out.
2. Monitor the Weather and Stay Prepared
Such days with rain often have tremendous fluctuations in temperature and high counts of pollen, which may trigger asthma.
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Monitor weather forecasts, particularly when high levels of humidity can be expected.
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Always carry your asthma medications and inhalers.
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Try to keep yourself indoors on a rainy day if you are feeling any kind of asthma attack.
3. Use Your Medication Regularly
Asthma control depends on regular use of medication. Do not omit preventive medications even when you are feeling well.
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Use inhalers or prescribed long-term medications as instructed by your doctor.
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It may be necessary that you have to alter your dosage when the rainy season arrives. Ask your doctor if this might likely be so.
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Carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times and in case of sudden asthma attacks.
4. Limit Exposure to Allergens
Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mould are abundant during the rainy season. Follow the below asthma prevention tips to minimize your exposure:
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Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, or the air is too humid.
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Wear a face mask when stepping outside to prevent inhalation of allergens.
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Wash your bedding frequently in hot water to kill dust mites.
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Keep windows and doors closed, especially on humid or rainy days.
5. Stay Active but Indoors
Physical exercise can improve lung function, but during the rainy season, it’s safer to exercise indoors.
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Opt for low-impact exercises such as yoga, which focuses on breathing techniques and helps build lung capacity.
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Walking or cycling indoors in a gym can also be beneficial.
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Always warm up before exercising and use your inhaler if needed before starting your routine.
6. Manage Stress and Anxiety
Asthma and stress often go hand in hand. The rainy season can increase anxiety due to the uncertainty of weather and worsening symptoms.
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Practice deep breathing exercises daily to improve lung function and reduce anxiety.
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Consider meditation or mindfulness techniques to manage mental health.
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Get adequate sleep, as rest strengthens your immune system and reduces stress.
7. Get Vaccinated
The rainy season often brings an increase in respiratory infections, such as the flu, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
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Get vaccinated against the flu before the rainy season starts.
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Maintain proper hygiene by washing your hands regularly.
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Avoid close contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms.
8. Follow a Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining overall health, which indirectly supports asthma control.
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Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds. These foods are known to reduce inflammation in the body.
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Include a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, as they support immune function.
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Stay hydrated to ensure that your respiratory system functions optimally.
9. Regularly Check Your Peak Flow
Monitoring your lung function is an effective way to understand how well-controlled your asthma is. This becomes particularly important during the rainy season.
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Use a peak flow meter to measure your breathing capacity daily.
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Record your readings and consult your doctor if you notice any decline in your breathing levels.
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Adjust your medication based on your doctor’s advice if your peak flow is consistently lower than usual.
10. Keep Your Home Allergy-Proof
To reduce the impact of asthma triggers indoors:
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Install air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove allergens from the air.
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Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses to reduce dust mites.
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Regularly vacuum carpets and rugs using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens.
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Avoid keeping houseplants that may contribute to mould growth indoors.
Consult our pulmonology hospital in Salem if you are experiencing symptoms of asthma.
Conclusion
Being prepared and taking preventive measures during the rainy season is pertinent to control asthma. By keeping your area clean, reducing contact with allergens, and being compliant with the medication you're prescribed, you can prevent an asthma attack from happening. A healthy lifestyle accompanied by such asthma prevention tips will ensure you enjoy the rainy season without compromising your health.
Book an appointment with our top pulmonologist in Salem for a comprehensive asthma care plan.
FAQ's
Breathing problems in the rainy season are common for asthmatics. But, you can still exercise outdoors during the day times. When humidity and allergens are high, you can carry on with your workouts indoors. Ensure you use your inhaler before exercising and monitor your asthma symptoms.
No, you can use air conditioning, but make sure the filters are clean. Air conditioners help remove humidity and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
Ensure your child follows their prescribed asthma treatment, avoids known triggers, and carries their inhaler. Keep their environment clean, dry, and allergen-free.
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