Find out everything about the conditions that get better or worse based on weather changes: asthma, allergies, arthritis, and many more!

Conditions caused and aggravated by weather sensitivity

<p>More than 25 million people in the United States have asthma, and many of them experience cold-induced symptoms during the winter. So while you may want to enjoy the snow and outdoor festivities, it could come at a cost. </p>
<p id="appendcover">Many factors play a role in asthma symptoms and attacks, but you have the power to prevent or minimize them.</p><h2 id="connection">Asthma and cold air: What’s the connection?</h2>
<p>Many people have asthma, and some symptoms get worse when it gets colder outside. Why is that? If you love the snow and outdoor activities such as skiing and sledding, you may not know whether to look forward to the winter months or dread them.</p>
<p>Cold-induced asthma is also referred to as winter asthma and cold weather asthma. As conditions change outside, your internal respiratory system can be slow to react. Winter air tends to be colder and drier than summer air, leading to an increased chance of an asthma attack.</p>
<p class="textbox"><strong>Detect weather-related asthma triggers early&nbsp;with WeatherWell!&nbsp;<br></strong><strong></strong><a href="https://weatherpulse.onelink.me/vCcq/qn3dleib" target="_blank">Download our free app</a> to stay healthy and active in any weather</p>
<p>When you breathe in cold air, your airways shrink and your lungs tighten up. This forces you to breathe harder to get enough oxygen. The temperature of the air can also cause your body to release histamine. This is a chemical that the immune system creates when it detects the presence of an allergen and can lead to asthma symptoms, such as wheezing.</p>
<p id="causes">Even more dangerous than the temperature is how dry the air is.&nbsp;</p><blockquote>When you breathe in dry air, your airways can become irritated.&nbsp;</blockquote>
<p id="causes">When this occurs, the protective mucus that usually lines your airways dries up faster than it can be replaced. As a result, the dry air rubs against the vulnerable lining, causing irritation. This can lead to painful, difficult breathing, coughing, and wheezing.&nbsp;</p><h2>Is it cold-induced asthma? Other potential causes</h2>
<p>Although the cold dry air is a common trigger of asthma, other factors could also be irritating your airways in the winter. Being aware of what affects you can help you take precautions when needed.</p><h3>Pollen</h3>
<p>While pollen is usually associated with spring and summer, it is also present in late winter and very early spring. If you are allergic to pollen and spending time outdoors, it may be hard to determine whether the weather or the pollen is causing your asthmatic symptoms.</p>
<p>Common side effects of being allergic to pollen are skin reactions, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion that results in sneezing and a runny nose.</p><h3>Exercise</h3>
<p>Activities such as trail running, skiing, and shoveling snow will keep you outdoors for some time. These activities are great ways to break a sweat while keeping your heart rate up, but they can cause issues for people with asthma.&nbsp;</p><p><img data-image="3u4mursa65ox" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/blt94a909d09d993810/62860190ead0d2559909b201/people_exercising_in_the_cold_with_asthma-min.png" data-sys-asset-uid="blt94a909d09d993810" alt="People exercising in the cold with asthma"></p>
<p>When you are exercising, no matter the environment, you tend to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose in order to get more oxygen. Your nose acts as a humidifier and filter when you breathe in air. It also warms up the air before it hits your airways and lungs.</p>
<p>This filtration process doesn’t happen when you breathe through your mouth during exercise. So not only are your lungs working extra hard while you are exercising, but you are also sending icy air to those lungs. This process can lead to trouble breathing and coughing.</p><h3>General irritants</h3>
<p>Whether you have asthma or not, you are more likely to suffer from respiratory issues during the winter months. This is because people tend to stay inside more, and there are many allergens and irritants indoors. There is also less air circulation because windows stay closed.</p>
<p>This means that allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander are more securely trapped in your home and floating in the air. Tobacco smoke and strong scents may also trigger you.</p>
<p id="symptoms">Bacterial and viral infections tend to flourish when everyone is trapped inside. Many symptoms of infections are similar to those of asthma, and it can be hard to know the difference. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are related to asthma or another illness, be sure to talk to your doctor.&nbsp;</p><h2>Symptoms of cold-induced asthma</h2>
<p>Symptoms of cold-induced asthma usually occur shortly after being exposed to cold and dry air. To identify whether you are experiencing cold-induced asthma or an allergy, look out for the following symptoms, which are more indicative of asthma rather than allergy:</p><ul><li><strong>Coughing and wheezing</strong></li><li><strong>Difficulty breathing</strong></li><li><strong>Chest tightness and/or pain</strong></li><li><strong>Narrowed airways</strong></li><li><strong>Increase in mucus production</strong></li><li><strong>Inflamed respiratory tract</strong></li><li id="treatment"><strong>Trouble speaking</strong></li></ul><h2>How to treat asthma without an inhaler in cold weather</h2>
<p>While using your inhaler is the best way to calm asthmatic symptoms, you may not always have one with you. Try the <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-manage-winter-asthma/" target="_blank">following methods</a> to prevent or minimize a cold-induced asthma attack.</p><h3>Breathe through your nose</h3>
<p>Breathing through your mouth in winter can irritate your lungs. On the other hand, breathing through your nose can provide your airways and lungs with warmer air that’s less likely to cause irritation. </p>
<p>If you are going to be exercising outdoors or want to eliminate the problems that breathing through your mouth can create, wearing a scarf or face mask over your mouth and nose can help. </p>
<p>This can also protect you from breathing in specific allergens, such as pollen.</p><h3>Plan ahead</h3>
<p>It is no fun to miss out on winter activities just because you have asthma, and there are a few measures you can take so you can still go out and enjoy yourself. Planning ahead can greatly lessen and even eliminate symptoms you may otherwise experience.</p>
<p class="textbox">WeatherWell can help you plan your outdoor activities!&nbsp;<a href="https://weatherpulse.onelink.me/vCcq/qn3dleib" target="_blank">Download free today&nbsp;</a>to take control of your asthma symptoms!</p>
<p>As for your daily movement, try to work out indoors when you can. If you are going to be exercising outdoors, give yourself 5 to 10 minutes to warm up indoors first. This will get warm air into your lungs and get your blood flowing. Also, plan to be outdoors during the warmest time of day, usually between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.</p><h3>Stay warm</h3>
<p>If you can, avoid going outdoors when it is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less. The lower the temperature gets, the worse your symptoms can be. </p>
<p>If you are outdoors and start to experience any respiratory discomfort or an attack, move indoors as quickly as possible. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, they should subside after a number of minutes. This will start to happen when your airways and lungs are warm and begin to open up.&nbsp;</p><p><img data-image="wtzk6co5dlme" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/bltd8606c4cd609beb6/62860220dffcc8654954e94e/a_man_walking_in_the_snow-min.png" data-sys-asset-uid="bltd8606c4cd609beb6" alt="A man with asthma walking in the snow"></p>
<p>Although it may be tempting to start a cozy fire in the fireplace, that may not be the best plan. The smoke from the fire can irritate your lungs and increase asthma symptoms. Instead, wrap yourself in blankets or hop in a warm shower or bath.</p><h3>Remove allergens from your home</h3>
<p>Set yourself up for success by removing or minimizing allergens in your house. Windows are usually closed during winter, and your heating system may be blasting. This means that dust, mold, and pet dander can more easily blow around in the air.</p><blockquote>Using an air purifier can help control dust mites and mold.&nbsp;</blockquote>
<p>In addition, stay on top of vacuuming and dusting. Also be sure to wash your bedding frequently and consider using allergy-proof blankets.</p>
<p id="covid">These steps are helpful year-round, but they are essential in the colder months.</p><h2>Cold-induced asthma and COVID-19: What you need to know</h2>
<p>With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are worried about getting sick. </p>
<p>If you have asthma, it’s important to know you are not at a higher risk of catching COVID-19 than others. But if you do catch it, the symptoms could be much worse because of your compromised respiratory system. Getting COVID-19 could lead to an asthma attack, pneumonia, or other lung diseases.</p>
<p>Getting vaccinated, avoiding crowds, and wearing a mask are all significant steps to prevent catching the coronavirus. Wearing a mask can also help prevent asthma symptoms by warming the air you breathe.</p><h2>Final thoughts</h2>
<p>It can be more challenging to control your asthma symptoms in the winter, but it is still possible. Doing things such as going outside when it’s warmest, eliminating allergens, and breathing through your nose can prevent your airways and lungs from shrinking and becoming irritated. Whether you prefer to spend your time indoors or outdoors, with these tips, you can stay comfortable and healthy when it’s cold outside.</p>

A pair of mittens and an inhaler to treat asthma in the cold

Cold-Induced-Asthma6-min.png

If you have asthma, you may have noticed that its manifestations change depending on the weather. Learn more about this connection and protect yourself from cold-induced asthma with WeatherWell.

Cold-Induced Asthma: How Does Cold Weather Affect You?

Learn more about asthma triggers, manifestation, and symptoms, as well as ways to manage it in different seasons with WeatherWell

Asthma: Everything You Need to Know to Manage It

Asthma

<p id="appendcover">Summer is the perfect time for many fun and energetic activities, such as going to the beach, hosting a BBQ, and swimming at the pool. The warmer months offer you the chance to take part in some of the most enjoyable activities of the year, and no one wants to miss out on them because of a cold.</p><p>However, summer colds are a common problem that can make you feel bad for a few days during the summer. Have you ever wondered whether a summer cold is the same thing as a winter cold? What can you do to treat this condition?</p><p id="whatis">Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about summer colds, their causes, symptoms, and treatment.</p><h2>What is a summer cold?&nbsp;</h2><p>A summer cold is nothing more than a common cold that you get during the summer months. Despite the fact that the incidence of colds is higher in the winter, that doesn’t mean that you can’t catch a cold when the weather is warm. Colds can happen year-round, in fact.</p><p>Summer colds can also be confused with other seasonal conditions, such as allergies. But unlike allergies, summer colds are viral infections. </p><blockquote>The common cold is an infection that affects your upper respiratory tract, and it typically resolves on its own without severe symptoms or complications.</blockquote><p>There are many different types of viruses that can cause the common cold; however, more than half of all colds are caused by rhinoviruses. Parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronaviruses can also cause common colds — yes, those coronaviruses, which are part of the viral family of COVID-19. However, most other coronaviruses only cause mild colds. Summer colds are more likely to be caused by enteroviruses.</p><p>Like other respiratory viral diseases, the common cold spreads via droplets or aerosols that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, breathes, or sneezes.</p><h3>How long does a common cold last?</h3><p>In most cases, you will recover from a cold within 7 to 10 days after the symptoms start. Most people who get summer colds will start to feel better in just a few days, even if it takes them a full 10 days for symptoms to go away completely.</p><p>There are some factors that can affect how long a common cold lasts. Children typically get better much faster, while older adults, immunocompromised people, and people with chronic respiratory diseases may need a few extra days to feel better.&nbsp;</p><h3>Summer colds vs. winter colds: Is there a difference?&nbsp;</h3><p>There’s no difference between summer colds and winter colds. Regardless of the season, colds are caused by similar viruses. However, the colder temperatures make it easier for these viruses to spread between people, which is why colds are typically more frequent during fall and winter.</p><h3>COVID-19 and summer colds: Can lockdown weaken people’s immune system?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3><p>Measures like social distancing and lockdowns helped curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world before vaccines and newer treatments became available. But despite the fact that we knew that these measures were necessary, there’s no denying that they have also been difficult to deal with. Being apart from our friends and family for extended periods of time is never easy, even if we know that it’s the right thing to do.</p><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img asset_uid="blt3780da8aac9dc763" alt="A woman with a summer cold staying indoors because she suspects COVID-19" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/blt3780da8aac9dc763/627b95004886af2aa2be7154/a_woman_with_a_summer_cold_staying_indoors-min.png" height="auto" /></figure><p>But can lockdowns also weaken our immune system and leave us more susceptible to other viral illnesses, such as colds? There has been some speculation that this could happen; however, there is no research that supports the idea of a weakened immune response caused by lockdowns. You will probably be more likely to catch a cold after lockdown, simply because the same social distancing measures that prevented you from getting COVID-19 also prevented colds. For most people, getting a common cold a few times a year is a normal part of life.</p><p class="textbox"><strong>A new look at weather forecasts<br/></strong>WeatherWell's free app not only gives world-class weather predictions. It also gives you insights into how you may feel and what you can do about upcoming symptoms. <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weatherwell-health-forecast/id1565394543" class="textbox" target="_self">Download today!</a></p><p class="symptoms" id="symptoms">Mild cases of COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are very similar to those caused by a summer cold, which could lead to some confusion between the two conditions. The best way to identify whether you have COVID-19 or a cold is to take a COVID-19 test, especially if you’ve been in contact with anyone who has recently tested positive.</p><h2>Common symptoms of summer cold</h2><p>The first symptoms of a common cold generally appear one to three days after you’re exposed to the virus that causes it. The most common symptoms of a summer cold can include:</p><ul><li><strong>Nasal congestion or a runny nose</strong></li><li><strong>Coughing</strong></li><li><strong>Low-grade fever</strong></li><li><strong>Mild muscle pain</strong></li><li><strong>Headache</strong></li><li><strong>Fatigue</strong></li><li><strong>A sore throat</strong></li><li><strong>Feeling unwell</strong></li><li><strong>Gastrointestinal symptoms</strong> (vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea)</li></ul><p>In very rare cases, people with risk factors can develop complications from a common cold, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. However, this is an extremely rare occurrence, and people who are healthy usually don’t have to worry about complications from a cold.</p><h3>Can you have the flu without a fever?</h3><p>Influenza, commonly known as “the flu,” is not the same as a common cold, despite the fact that they have similar symptoms. Influenza is also a viral respiratory illness, but it’s caused by the seasonal influenza virus.&nbsp;</p><blockquote>Influenza can also cause symptoms like coughing, fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion.</blockquote><p>Most people recover from influenza without any complications. But unlike the common cold, influenza can be serious and even fatal in some cases. People who have a higher risk of developing severe influenza include:</p><ul><li><strong>Older adults</strong></li><li><strong>People with chronic diseases</strong></li><li><strong>Immunosuppressed people</strong></li></ul><p>Despite the fact that fever is one of the most common symptoms of the flu, some people can have the flu without a fever. In very mild cases, your body could be able to fight the infection without a fever.&nbsp;</p><h3>Is it a summer cold or an allergy?&nbsp;</h3><p>It can be easy to mistake the symptoms of a summer cold for seasonal allergies. Both of these conditions share some symptoms, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Runny nose</strong></li><li><strong>Sneezing</strong></li><li><strong>Nasal congestion</strong></li><li><strong>Coughing</strong></li></ul><p>However, there are also certain symptoms that can help you differentiate between them. Some of the symptoms that you could experience due to a summer cold but not due to allergies include:</p><ul><li><strong>Fever</strong></li><li><strong>Muscular pain</strong></li><li><strong>Greenish or yellowish nasal discharge</strong></li></ul><p class="treatment" id="treatment">Additionally, allergies can last longer. Some people experience seasonal allergies throughout spring and summer, depending on where they live. A summer cold, on the other hand, will last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, but not longer than that. Because allergies are closely related to your geographical location, you could also experience a change (for better or worse) in your symptoms if you travel to a different location. The symptoms of summer colds, on the other hand, won’t be affected by a change in your location.&nbsp;</p><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img asset_uid="bltb6521e215e61eed5" alt="Hot tea as a remedy for summer colds" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/bltb6521e215e61eed5/627b94ff23c6cf2a1c3b6260/Hot_tea_as_a_summer_cold_remedy-min.png" height="auto" /></figure><h2>How to treat summer colds&nbsp;</h2><p>You can treat a summer cold the same way you would treat a cold during a different time of the year. Colds don’t require specific treatment. You simply have to take good care of yourself and manage your symptoms until the viral infection passes.</p><p>However, there are certain strategies that can help you feel better while your immune system fights a summer cold. Some of these strategies include:</p><ul><li><strong>Get some rest.</strong> When you’re sick, your body needs to focus all its energy on getting better. Additionally, putting more stress on your body could make you feel more tired and make it more difficult for your immune system to eliminate the virus.</li><li><strong>Drink warm beverages.</strong> Warm drinks can be very comforting, but they have other benefits, too. Drinking something warm can soothe your sore throat and help loosen up your nasal congestion, which can provide temporary relief. Many people like to drink soup and </li><li><strong>Stay hydrated.</strong> In addition to drinking warm beverages and soups, you also need to&nbsp;drink plain water to make sure you stay hydrated.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Take over-the-counter cold medications.</strong> Many over-the-counter medications for colds contain some type of pain and fever relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and an antihistamine to relieve congestion. You can also try cough medication or decongestant </li><li><strong>Use a humidifier.</strong> A humidifier increases the level of humidity in the room where it’s used. This can help relieve symptoms of a cold, such as coughing and congestion, and help you breathe better. It’s also important to stay isolated from others to prevent the virus from spreading.</li></ul><p>You should consider seeking medical assistance if you don’t feel better after a few days or exhibit any worrying symptoms. Warning signs include:</p><ul><li><strong>Severe coughing</strong></li><li><strong>Shortness of breath</strong></li><li><strong>Severe headache or sinus pain</strong></li><li><strong>Wheezing</strong></li><li><strong>Fever higher than 101.3 F (38.5 C)</strong></li><li><strong>Fever that lasts longer than three days or that returns after going away</strong></li><li><strong>Alterations in your mental status (such as confusion, drowsiness, or irritability)</strong></li></ul><p>Colds cause uncomfortable symptoms that we all want to avoid, no matter what season it is. Fortunately, summer colds typically resolve on their own within a few days and don’t cause severe symptoms. However, it’s important to give your body time to rest so that you can recover without any issues. Other measures, such as staying hydrated and using a humidifier, can also help relieve your symptoms in the meantime. Thanks to these techniques, you’ll be able to go back to your fun summertime activities very quickly.</p>

A woman trying to treat a cold in the summer

Summer_Colds_Can_You_Catch_a_Cold_When_It’s_Warm_Outside_-min.png

Catching a cold in summer seems unfair and even illogical. Nevertheless, summer colds are a common issue. Get to know what a summer cold is, why it happens, and how to cope with it fast. 

Summer Colds: Can You Catch a Cold When It’s Warm Outside?

Find out how seasons and weather conditions affect your susceptibility to viruses and what really causes seasonal colds

Summer and winter colds, viruses, COVID ⁠— everything you need to know

Colds and Viruses

<p><em>Is it difficult for you to exercise outdoors in winter without triggering an asthma flare-up?&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>Do you struggle with wheezing and chest tightness on a humid day?&nbsp;</em></p><p>If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with asthma, you may be wondering if it’s true that extreme weather can trigger flare-ups.</p><p id="appendcover">In this article, we explore the pathophysiology of asthma and the impact that weather and seasonal changes have on this condition. You’ll also learn how to control asthma flare-ups by understanding your triggers and implementing lifestyle strategies.</p><h2 id="whatis">What is asthma?</h2><p>Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that causes narrowing of your airways – or bronchi – and makes it difficult to breathe.</p><p>The pathophysiology of asthma involves an overactive immune system that reacts to harmless environmental stimuli. In response to these stimuli, immune cells release inflammatory chemicals. This causes the muscles surrounding your bronchi to contract, making it difficult for air to enter and leave your lungs.</p><p class="textbox"><strong>Take control of your asthma with WeatherWell! </strong><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weatherwell-health-forecast/id1565394543" target="_self">Download our free app</a> to detect weather-related asthma triggers in advance. Stay healthy and active in any weather!</p><p>Your body also ramps up mucus production in response to the inflammation, creating another airway obstruction.</p><p>The inability to breathe is one of the harshest manifestations of an asthma attack. Other symptoms include:</p><ul><li><strong>Severe wheezing</strong></li><li><strong>Coughing that doesn’t stop</strong></li><li><strong>Gasping for air</strong></li><li><strong>Difficulty speaking</strong></li><li><strong>Shortness of breath</strong></li><li><strong>Chest tightness and pain</strong></li><li><strong>Skin paleness</strong></li><li><strong>Anxiety and panic attacks&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>Fatigue</strong>&nbsp;</li></ul><p id="triggers">However, symptoms vary from person to person, and not every person with asthma experiences severe or frequent attacks.</p><h3>Asthma triggers&nbsp;</h3><p>There are two forms of asthma:</p><ol><li>Atopic (allergic) asthma</li><li>Nonallergic or environmentally induced asthma</li></ol><p>Understanding your triggers is the first step in managing your symptoms.</p><h3>Is asthma an autoimmune disease?</h3><p>While your immune system plays a significant role in this condition, asthma is not an autoimmune disease.</p><p>With autoimmune diseases, the immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. With asthma, your immune system mounts an inflammatory reaction in your airways in response to external irritants.</p><p>However, autoimmune diseases and asthma have some of the same triggers, like extreme weather and stress.</p><h3>Are allergies and asthma connected?&nbsp;</h3><p>Asthma is common in both children and adults. Research also shows that if one of your parents or grandparents has asthma, you have an increased risk of developing asthma in childhood.</p><p id="weather">There is also a strong genetic link between allergies and asthma. This is due to a common gene that predisposes you to allergen-sensitivity disorders like eczema, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and hay fever.</p><h2>Can weather trigger asthma?</h2><p>Yes! Extreme weather and changing seasons are common asthma triggers. If you have inflamed airways, you’re more likely to be sensitive to the quality, temperature, and humidity of the air you inhale.</p><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img alt="A woman breathing flower pollen, an asthma trigger" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/blt5692f069afa754df/627b94ffb5ad5f2863c5fa88/A_woman_breathing_flower_pollen_an_asthma_trigger-min.png" height="auto" /></figure><h3>Seasonal asthma: Does asthma worsen during summer or winter?&nbsp;</h3><p>People with asthma typically struggle with symptoms more in winter, when they’re inhaling cold and dry air. Plus, indoor air quality may be poor during winter due to indoor fires, heating, and poor ventilation.</p><p>However, high humidity, summer heatwaves, and thunderstorms can all trigger and aggravate asthma.</p><p>Here are some of the weather conditions that trigger seasonal asthma:</p><h3>Cold-induced asthma</h3><p>Do you experience more chest tightness and wheezing in the winter?</p><p>People with seasonal asthma often struggle with cold-induced asthma. Cold air is usually dry, which can cause an asthma flare-up by dehydrating and irritating the bronchi.</p><p>Exercising outdoors on a cold day can also be dangerous. During exercise, you inhale large amounts of cold air through the mouth. This can be a shock to the respiratory system and cause bronchospasms.</p><h3>Heat-induced asthma</h3><p>Warm, still summer days often bring a respite for people with asthma living in mild climates. However, heat and high humidity can trigger heat-induced seasonal asthma in some people. In fact, high temperatures have been linked to more asthma-related hospital visits.</p><h3>Humidity and asthma</h3><p>When humidity is high, the air can feel heavy, dense, and suffocating. Breathing in humid air may quickly constrict the airways and worsen asthma attacks.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, breathing humid air is more likely to trigger asthma because it holds on to pollen, mold, dust, and environmental pollutants more easily.</p><p class="textbox">Does your weather app help with asthma? WeatherWell does! Detect possible triggers in advance and get daily insights from doctors on how to manage your symptoms! <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weatherwell-health-forecast/id1565394543" target="_self">Download FREE today!</a></p><h3>Increased pollen count and asthma</h3><p>Tiny pollen particles are a trigger for seasonal asthma. Asthma symptoms commonly peak during the spring, when pollen counts are high.</p><p>Interestingly, a phenomenon called “thunderstorm asthma” occurs during pollen season. During a thunderstorm, the combination of humidity, electrical charge, rain, and change in air pressure breaks pollen grains into small particles. They then get dispersed in the air and are easily inhaled.</p><p id="treatment">Tip: Try to become more aware of breathing through your nose if possible. The nose has specialized hairs that trap allergens and warm the air as it enters your airways.</p><h2>Does asthma go away? 8 Ways to ease symptoms</h2><p>Now that you know about the common triggers for asthma, you may be wondering where to go from here. Can asthma go away with the correct treatment?</p><p>Asthma is a chronic illness. However, you can manage symptoms – and even eliminate them – by being consistent with your medication, avoiding triggers, and making lifestyle changes.&nbsp;</p><p>Here are 7 natural tips to help you live a symptom-free life:</p><h3>1. Go for coffee</h3><p>If you’re a coffee-lover, you’ll be happy to hear that drinking coffee lowers your chances of having an asthma attack.</p><p>In addition to supporting focus and performance, research shows that caffeine has bronchodilatory properties, meaning it can relax and widen your airways. For those with mild asthma, having coffee before a stressful event, workout, or when the pollen count is high may reduce symptoms.&nbsp;</p><h3>2. Visit the sauna</h3><p>Sauna bathing may be therapeutic for people with respiratory diseases like asthma,9 especially if you’re sensitive to cold, dry air. Inhaling warm sauna air may relax your airways and improve asthma and lung function.</p><p>Plus, taking time out in the sauna for self-care helps to reduce stress – one of the biggest asthma triggers. If your asthma gets aggravated by humidity, dry heat saunas or infrared saunas are better options.</p><h3>3. Cook with spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric&nbsp;</h3><p>In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, ginger, garlic, and turmeric are well-known remedies for asthma and other respiratory conditions. These flavorful spices are rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce airway obstruction.10 Plus, these spices are believed to protect you during cold and flu season.</p><p>Try using them to make teas or adding them to meals for extra flavor. They are not a replacement for your medication but may be able to offer additional support.</p><h3>4. Relieve stress with meditation</h3><p>When you’re under stress, your body releases a stress hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline speeds up your breathing and causes your muscles to tense to prepare you to handle a threat. This is terrible for asthmatics.</p><p>Unfortunately, many of us are under chronic stress due to work, family, financial, and relationship pressures. Learning to manage stress through meditation can be a valuable way to reduce asthma flare-ups.&nbsp;</p><p>There are apps available with guided meditations of various lengths. Plus, you can incorporate slow belly breathing and visualization into meditation to enhance your relaxation response.</p><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img asset_uid="blte96659f0cb4b6b10" alt="A man working outdoors with asthma symptoms" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte15d17456f6fb4d5/blte96659f0cb4b6b10/627b94ff5f7b601eaaec369a/A_man_working_outdoors_with_asthma_symptoms-min.png" height="auto" /></figure><h3>5. Exercise more</h3><p>If you have asthma, exercise might make you nervous. But regular physical activity is essential for healthy lungs, strong immunity, weight management, and stress reduction.&nbsp;</p><p>Building your fitness slowly can help you manage your asthma. Opt for moderate-intensity exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga.</p><p>Take note: Always keep your rescue inhaler with you, and don’t exercise outdoors if the air is very cold or humid. If you’re unsure, ask your asthma doctor for guidance. &nbsp;</p><h3>6. Eat more antioxidants</h3><p>A diet rich in antioxidant compounds, like vitamins A, C, E, lutein, and lycopene, may help to calm your overactive immune system and soothe inflammation.</p><p>Try including a selection of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet every day, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Citrus fruits</strong></li><li><strong>Berries</strong></li><li><strong>Tomatoes</strong></li><li><strong>Beets</strong></li><li><strong>Broccoli</strong></li><li><strong>Leafy green vegetables&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>Red and yellow peppers</strong></li><li><strong>Carrots</strong></li><li><strong>Sweet potatoes</strong></li><li><strong>Nuts and seeds</strong></li></ul><p>Not only can this help ease asthma, but it may also reduce your risk of other chronic conditions.</p><h3>7. Enjoy the sunlight</h3><p>Vitamin D is an anti-inflammatory nutrient produced when sunlight hits your skin. It’s known as “the sunshine vitamin.”</p><p>Pretty cool, right?</p><p>Vitamin D is crucial for a balanced immune system, and research suggests that optimal levels may reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. </p><blockquote>Unfortunately, because of the amount of time we spend indoors every day, vitamin D deficiency is widespread.</blockquote><p>The best way to increase vitamin D levels is to spend 15 minutes in direct sunlight each day or as often as possible. Be sure to wear sunscreen! Also, if you struggle with heat-induced asthma or live in a cold climate, it may be safer to boost your levels with a daily supplement. You can also eat more vitamin D foods like fatty fish, eggs, liver, and fortified dairy products.</p><h3>8. Protect yourself from pollen</h3><p>Since pollen is a common asthma trigger, check the forecast by WeatherWell every day and try the following when the pollen level in your area is high:</p><ul id="summary"><li><strong>Wear a face mask</strong> and pollen-protective glasses when you go outside.</li><li><strong>Change your clothes</strong> and wash your face and hands when returning home.</li><li><strong>Use nasal spray</strong> containing salt water to remove allergens.</li><li><strong>Avoid being around pets</strong> that spend time outdoors.</li><li id="summary"><strong>Take any prescribed allergy medications</strong>.</li></ul><h2>Final thoughts&nbsp;</h2><p>Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that can flare up due to various environmental factors,&nbsp;including seasonal changes and extreme weather conditions.</p><p>Luckily, many people with asthma can manage their symptoms and live healthy, normal lives. In addition to using the lifestyle tips mentioned in this article, we suggest that you keep tabs on the WeatherWell forecast for your area. Being prepared for weather changes can help you avoid seasonal asthma flare-ups.</p><p>If your asthma symptoms worsen, please seek medical attention. You may require further testing or a change in medication.</p>

A woman experiencing asthma symptoms because of weather triggers

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Asthma can be triggered by a variety of external factors. But is it true that weather can be one of the reasons for asthma flare-ups? Find out more with WeatherWell!