How to Keep Your Summer Asthma in Check

For many people with asthma, summer can be a tricky time. In addition to heat and humidity that can trigger wheezing or shortness of breath, summer allergens (think clouds of pollen), increased exercise and activity outdoors, or even smoke from campfires and fireworks can lead to full-on attacks.

Unless you are holing yourself up for the entire summer and missing all the fun, there really is no way to avoid every potential asthma trigger. However, there are things you can do to minimize your risk of an attack.

Stay the course: Continue any treatment your doctor has prescribed, even if your asthma seems to be improving. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to how and when you take your prescribed medications.

Use an air conditioner and a humidifier: If possible, run both an air conditioner (A/C) and humidifier whenever you are home. The A/C will work to cool the air and make it easier to breathe while the humidifier will help prevent the growth of mold, a common asthma trigger. NOTE: Make sure the filters on both devices are clean and replace as needed.

Avoid the heat: On hot and humid days, stay inside as much as possible and keep doors and windows closed. If you must be out and about, run the A/C in your car while running errands.

Stay on top of air quality: You can check the air quality and pollen counts for your area using apps on both The Weather Channel and at Asthma and Allergy Forecast. If counts are high or quality is low, you may want to take any outdoor activities inside for the day.

Exercise wisely: Be sure to always warm up and let your body adjust to the temperature and conditions by slowly building up your speed or exertion level. When possible, plan to exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler out. Keep your medication nearby in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.

Shower after spending time outdoors: To keep from tracking pollen and other allergens into your bed and house in general, be sure to take a quick shower after your outdoor activities have wrapped up for the day.

Stay hydrated: Drinking water benefits people with asthma in two ways. First, it helps keep your body temperature cool and, second, works to thin any mucus in your lungs or airways. 

Be prepared: Always carry an asthma travel pack when away from home. If your child with asthma is traveling without you, be sure a responsible adult on the trip is aware, knows where your child’s asthma travel pack is, and review any instructions with them.

If you have any questions or concerns about your asthma or treatment plan, contact your doctor. 

Ali Kenyon, FNP, is a member of the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's ExpressCare team.