5 Tips for Handling Asthma During the Summer

With warm weather and bright skies, summer is the time for outdoor fun. However, the heat, humidity, and pollen that come with summer can make breathing more difficult if you have asthma. 

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our specialists understand how the warmer weather affects breathing in people with asthma. We know the last place you want to be during the summer is urgent care. In this blog, we share five tips that can help you better handle your asthma during summer. 

1. Know your triggers

Asthma is a chronic lung condition, which means it’s something you have to manage every day of your life. The goal of asthma treatment is to prevent or minimize asthma attacks, which causes your airway to swell and makes it harder to breathe.

Many things can trigger an asthma attack, including tobacco smoke, exercise, and a change in weather. When you have asthma, it’s important to know what outside factors trigger your attacks. In the summer, heat, humidity, and high pollen counts are common triggers.

You also need to take caution if mold or dust mites trigger your asthma symptoms. The heat and humidity serve as the perfect growing environment for these common allergens.

2. Track the weather

Because the weather may affect your asthma, it’s a good idea to track the forecast when making outdoor plans. When you need to run errands, making plans to go in the early morning or evening may help you avoid the heat and humidity that triggers an asthma attack. Plan outdoor activities on cooler, less humid days.

3. Update your asthma action plan

Your asthma action plan is a written plan that helps you avoid and manage asthma attacks. It includes a list of your triggers, your asthma attack symptoms, and what you need to do during an attack. Your plan also includes the types of medications you need to take and who you need to call.

Because the summer brings many asthma triggers, it’s a good idea to go over this action plan and update it as needed. Carry a copy of the plan with you in case you have an attack when you’re out and about. 

4. Alter your workout routine

Exercise is good for everyone, including people with asthma. However, combining intense aerobic exercise with heat and humidity can make you short of breath. 

If you can, work out indoors or engage in activities that give you time to stop and breathe, like baseball or basketball. Swimming is also a good form of exercise during the summer for people with asthma. 

5. Stay hydrated

Sweating is how your body keeps cool. When you sweat, you lose water. Keeping well hydrated is important during the summer to prevent overheating. When you overheat, your body needs more oxygen to cool down, which may make you feel out of breath.

Carry a refillable water bottle everywhere you go and drink regularly. 

If you have concerns about your asthma or breathing, we can help. Call our office in Midland, Michigan, or book an appointment online today. We’re open seven days a week, and we also offer telehealth appointments.