Tips for Managing Asthma

Asthma can be a problem at any time of year, but spring is when symptoms may be their worst. Pollen from trees, grass, and other plants can trigger asthma attacks in some people, making it difficult for them to breathe. Other reasons for springtime asthma flare-ups include increased mold growth and poor air quality brought on by warmer temperatures and higher humidity.

If you or someone in your family has asthma, spring doesn’t mean having to stay indoors all the time. By following these tips, you can manage your asthma better and breathe easier, even when outside.

Identifying Asthma Triggers

It’s important to know what makes your asthma symptoms worse so you can avoid those triggers in the future. To identify asthma triggers:

• Keep a diary to track when symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness get worse.
• Note activities you were doing when your symptoms worsened, such as exercising outdoors.
• Record conditions you were exposed to, like being around a pet or working in a dusty environment.
• Look for patterns where your symptoms consistently worsened after an activity or exposure.

You should discuss your diary’s findings with your primary care provider. They can help you develop a plan for avoiding asthma triggers and managing your symptoms.

If you think allergies to things like pollen and dust trigger your asthma, you may want to see an allergy specialist. They can do tests to determine what you are allergic to and help you control your allergies.

Avoidance Strategies

Here are some common asthma triggers and ways to avoid them:

• Dander from furry pets — Keep pets out of your bedroom and other designated “pet free” areas of your home. Give pets a bath regularly and wash their bedding and toys. When brushing pets, do it outside to avoid spreading dander and hair indoors.
• Dust and dust mites —Use a vacuum cleaner regularly to remove dust from furniture, tables, counters, and floors. Wear a face mask while cleaning to avoid inhaling dust. If your home has a forced air heating and cooling system, change the air filter regularly (usually every three months). To control dust mites — the microscopic creatures that live in beds, furniture, and carpets — use allergy-proof mattress and pillow covers and keep the humidity in your home below 50% by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Pests — Cockroaches, mice, and other household pests can trigger asthma through exposure to their droppings, dander, and urine. To control pests, remove food sources by keeping food in tightly sealed containers, keep the kitchen clean, and dispose of garbage regularly. Seal up any cracks that pests can use to enter your home and make sure all window and door screens are in good condition. Use baits and traps to catch pests that are in the home. Try to avoid using pesticides, as they can trigger asthma symptoms.
• Mold — Scrub mold off surfaces with a bleach or vinegar solution. Prevent mold buildup in the bathroom by running an exhaust fan or opening a window while showering. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep humidity in your home below 50% and monitor humidity levels daily. Fix water leaks quickly and dry any damp or wet items within a day or two.
• Pollen — Stay indoors when pollen counts are high and keep windows closed. Run an air conditioner that has a filter to remove pollen from indoor air. Change your clothes after going outside and take a shower to wash pollen off your body and hair. Wear a face mask when mowing the lawn or gardening.
• Air pollution — Be aware when wildfire smoke or other pollution sources may impact outdoor air quality. During those times, limit your outdoor activity and keep windows closed. Avoid air pollution inside your home by using exhaust fans while cooking and make sure ventilation for heating and other devices work properly.
• Tobacco smoke — If you smoke or vape, get support with quitting from your health care provider or a program like 802Quits. Stay out of places where smoking is permitted to avoid breathing secondhand smoke. Ask people not to smoke around you.  

Other Steps to Take

In addition to knowing what triggers your asthma symptoms and how to avoid flare-ups, here are some other steps you can take to successfully manage your asthma:

• Have an action plan. Work with your health care provider to create an asthma action plan, which lists your asthma medications and when to use them. The American Lung Association offers a downloadable asthma action plan form.
• Monitor air flow. Ask your health care provider to show you how to use a peak flow meter, a device that measures how quickly air is exhaled from the lungs, to keep track of your asthma. Log your results so you can see how well your asthma is being controlled over time. If your peak flow numbers start to decline, it could be an indicator that an asthma flareup is coming.
• Keep inhalers ready. Regularly check your inhalers to make sure they have medication in them and always have a backup available. Keep inhalers in several locations, such as in your purse and your desk at work, so you can quickly access an inhaler when you need it. Create an asthma emergency kit to take with you, which includes a rescue inhaler, other medications, and a copy of your asthma action plan.  
• Prevent lung infections. Stay up to date on all flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia vaccinations to prevent illnesses that could affect your lungs. Remember to wash your hands frequently, especially during respiratory virus season to lower the risk of getting a cold or other viral infection.
• Make lifestyle changes. Improving your overall health will help you manage your asthma. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods high in sugar or saturated fats, as those can increase mucus production in your lungs and nose, making it more difficult to breathe. Also be physically active (consult your health care provider before starting an exercise routine), control stress levels, and get enough sleep.
• Stay well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help thin mucus. Check out this blog article for tips on how to drink more water.
• Avoid fragrances. Remove fragrance sprays like perfumes and air fresheners from your home, as they can irritate the lungs and make asthma symptoms worse.      

Enjoy Spring to its Fullest

Springtime in Vermont is a wonderful season, as the landscape regains the lush colors that our Green Mountains are known for. By working with your primary care provider and following the tips we’ve shared, you can keep your asthma under control and enjoy spring to its fullest.