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Spring can be a beautiful season for getting outside in the garden or cleaning up the home after a cold winter, but for many people with asthma, it can also be a very challenging time. The increased pollen in the air can trigger asthma symptoms, making it a lot harder to breathe!
Understanding how pollen might affect your asthma and knowing how to manage your triggers is important for maintaining good asthma control during the coming months, so you don’t miss out on the beauty of spring!
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Why is pollen a trigger for asthma?
Pollen is a fine powder released by trees, grasses, and weeds . When inhaled, pollen can irritate the airways. This can lead to inflammation and increased asthma symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, a tight chest and wheezing. For people with allergic asthma, the immune system reacts to pollen, triggering an asthma flare-up. 80% of people with asthma also deal with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever), with allergens affecting both the nose/eyes and asthma.
Identifying and managing pollen triggers
Managing pollen exposure is really important to keeping your asthma under control during spring. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Monitor pollen counts: Stay informed about daily pollen count. You can find these in local weather forecasts or apps that provide pollen levels. High pollen counts usually happen on warm, dry and windy days, with mornings often being the peak time.
- Limit outdoor activities: On days when pollen counts are high, try to stay indoors as much as you can, especially during peak pollen times in the morning and late afternoon!
- Create a pollen-safe environment: Keep your windows and doors closed during high pollen periods to stop pollen from entering your home. Use air conditioning in your home and car to filter the air. Consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your home. Avoid drying your clothes and sheets outside where they can collect pollen and bring it back inside with them!
- Personal care: After spending time outdoors gardening, mowing the lawn, tending to your chickens or whatever spring activities you enjoy most, change your clothes and shower to remove any pollen that may have clung to your skin, hair or clothing. This reduces the amount of pollen you bring back into your living spaces.
Using a peak flow meter to monitor asthma
A peak flow meter can be a helpful tool in managing your asthma. It can help you during seasons when triggers like pollen are more active. This small device measures how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. This gives you a numerical value known as your peak flow.
By regularly recording your peak flow readings, you can track your lung function over time. This is especially useful in spring when pollen levels can vary significantly from day to day. You may notice a pattern between your peak flow result and the pollen forecast that day. If pollen is a strong trigger for you, you may start to be able to predict your asthma based on the pollen forecast. This will depend on how accurate the pollen forecast is. Monitoring your peak flow allows you to detect early signs that your asthma may be getting worse before you even experience symptoms.
Review and update your written Asthma Action Plan
Your written Asthma Action Plan is a helpful guide for managing your asthma. It can be especially helpful during seasons when triggers like pollen are around. Make sure your plan is up to date and personalised to reflect any recent changes in your health or new triggers you’ve identified. Your plan should outline:
- Daily management: Including your regular asthma medicine and any adjustments for higher pollen days.
- Recognising worsening symptoms: By knowing the signs that your asthma is getting worse, and using your peak flow readings if advised by your doctor.
- Steps to take during a flare-up: This includes when to use your reliever, when to seek medical help, and what actions to take if you’re in the yellow or red zone.
Consult with your doctor
It’s important to discuss your asthma with your doctor. It is even more important if you’re experiencing more frequent symptoms during spring. Your doctor can help adjust your asthma management plan, including your medicine, to better control your symptoms during high-pollen periods.
At Asthma Australia, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of spring. If you need more personalised advice or support, call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462). We’re committed to helping you manage your asthma effectively, so you can enjoy the beauty of spring without the worry of asthma symptoms.