Summer leads to spike in Asthma symptoms

April 12, 2014 5:39 PM | Skymet Weather Team

Seasons have a very powerful potency in our lives and the shift from one season to the other affect our daily lives, the foods we crave for, clothes we wear and also the diseases we have. Spring becomes challenging for people suffering from asthma. It was earlier believed that summer in India is a time of reprieve as tree and grass pollen count reduces along with decline in cold and flu viruses.

Cold water has been poured over this believe by medical advisors who say that asthma actually becomes worse in summer as heat accompanied by thunderstorms create ideal condition for outdoor molds. Thus summer, along with a host of other problems, brings tough days for asthmatic patients. In fact spending too many hours outdoors will increase the risk of an asthmatic attack for susceptible adults and children.

Summer heat waves also have the reputation for filling up emergency rooms of hospitals with asthmatic patients. Respiratory viral infections are also a trigger for asthma problems.

Why asthma worsens with climate change?

It is true that asthma symptoms can flare due to various reasons like second-hand smoking and exercise. But the climate change triggers include pollen, air pollution, temperature, humidity and viruses.

With the change of season, if one acquires a never-ending allergy, the person could possibly be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. The spores are spread in windy weather and inhaling the spores can cause severe allergies in asthmatic patients. With fungi growing everywhere, allergic reactions can occur throughout the year.

And therefore as the old saying goes, "life is in the breath” and the one who “half breathes half lives". Breathing problem definitely wreaks havoc in our lives but with effective treatment one can resolve this issue and lead a hassle free and productive life.

picture courtesy- The Telegraph

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